Gloria Dean Shepherd Love transitioned from this life into eternity on Thursday, November 7, 2019. Born April 12, 1949 in Lake View, Arkansas to the late Ernest and Amerjine Shepherd, Gloria gave her life to Christ through baptism at First Baptist Church- Lakeview. Gloria graduated valedictorian from Lake View High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where she obtained her degree in Business Administration. It was there that she met her husband of 44 years, Dr. Tommy L. Love, Jr.
Gloria began her career in banking in California. She served as a bank branch manager in California and later in North Little Rock, Arkansas. A gifted businesswoman with a flare for fashion and design, she later owned and operated G Love Ladies Boutique for 15 years. She transitioned her skills to serve as the practice administrator of Central Medical Group P.A., working alongside her husband, for more than 25 years.
Gloria was known for her generous heart and lavish ideas. Her hometown, Lake View, Arkansas, always remained close to her heart. From her humble beginnings in the cotton fields of Lake View, she purposefully gave back to the community that was her childhood home. Gloria used her own resources to host annual community holiday food and gift donations and health fairs there. Gloria loved to host family and friends during her favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. She was a fantastic cook and would spend endless hours, even all night, preparing an extravagant meal for all comers. Taking it a step further, her favorite holiday extended through the weekend with festivities, sumptuous food, fellowship, and music. She also showcased her talents as an organizer and advocate for higher education as a member of the Little Rock Chapter of The Links, Inc., where she served as president for four years. During her tenure as president, fundraising efforts reached a new high and numerous scholarships were provided to local Arkansas colleges and high school students.
Gloria’s relentless community activism was recognized through numerous awards. She’s been the recipient of awards from the Arkansas Arts Center, Centers for Youth and Families, YMCA, Arthritis Foundation, Coalition of Urban Bankers, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, and awarded Venture Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year. She also participated in a number of other organizations and was a faithful member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church for 45 years.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Amerjine Shepherd; sisters Elsie Shepherd and Rosemary Shepherd, and brother, Walter Hopkins. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Tommy Love, Jr; daughters Dr. Monica (Jerry) Hall of Little Rock, Arkansas, Christie Love of Los Angeles, California, and Andrea Love of Los Angeles, California; two grandchildren Aiden and Eli Dellimore of Little Rock, Arkansas. Also surviving her are three brothers, Veodis Stamps of Riverside, California, Raymond Shepherd of Oakland, California, and Jerry Shepherd of Dallas, Texas; four sisters, Ernestine Shepherd of Little Rock, Arkansas, Macie Shepherd of Oakland, California, Mary Shepherd of Dallas, Texas, and Flora Shepherd of Little Rock, Arkansas; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends Thursday, November 14, 2019 from 6-8pm at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 2501 S. Main Street, Little Rock. Her funeral service will be held Friday, November 15, 2019 at 11am at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donate to the scholarship fund of the Little Rock Chapter of The Links, Inc (P.O. Box 56021, LR, AR 72215-6021 website: littlerocklinks.org).
