She spent her childhood from age 10, at Macon's Masonic Home of Georgia. It was during her high school years at the Masonic Home that she began her love of tennis.
Graduating from Florida State University in 1958, Gloria soon began a career of teaching college P.E. and coaching tennis at Mercer University, Georgia College, and Macon College. Gloria retired from teaching in the university system in 1994.
At age 29, Gloria won the first of four Georgia State Opens during an era when women's tournaments attracted large crowds. From there, she began to dominate Georgia's women's tennis.
Her accomplishments in the game of tennis are almost too many to list. Possibly the top five would be, Georgia female player of the year (1978), Southern professional player of the year (1978), Macon Athletic Hall of Fame (1977), being one of 35 finalists for the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. And Gloria's most recent achievement, was her induction in the Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame, May of 2011.
After Gloria's retirement from teaching, and playing tennis, she continued to enjoy a very full life. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Christ in Macon. Her photography talent brought her many award ribbons and she used that talent to bless many people. Gloria served her community as a site director for PALS, Peers Advocating Leadership & Service, for many years.
Gloria leaves behind a brother, William J. Payne, Jr. of Savannah, GA., and a sister, Betty L. Howe, of Woodstock, GA.
She was also known as 'Aunt Gloria'. A very special role that she excelled in for three generations, to 19 nieces and nephews.
To all of Gloria's many friends, the family would like to say, “Thank you!”. She considered you her family also, she loved you all!
A Memorial Service to celebrate Gloria's life is planned for Saturday, February 6, 2016, 2:00pm at First Baptist Church of Christ, 511 High Place, Macon, GA. There will be a reception following, to greet the family, and share memories.
Because of the love & support that Gloria continued throughout her life for the Masonic Home of Georgia, the family has suggested in lieu of flowers, donations to the Masonic Home can be made in her memory, Masonic Home of Georgia 1417 Nottingham Dr. Macon, Ga. 31211, Attn: Superintendent John Snipes.
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