Gloria Jean Thompson

Gloria Jean Thompson, 87, passed away surrounded by her family, in Longview, Texas, on May 31, 2025.

Born on March 14, 1938 in Houston, Texas, Gloria was the daughter of Buford Leon Kennimer and Willie Cleo Burcham. She received her Bachelors degree in elementary education from UT Tyler and spent her career teaching the third and fourth grades at Harmony Elementary School. She married Gilbert Ray "Toad" Thompson in 1953, and together they raised their family.

Outside of her family and career, Gloria was a 70 year member of the Latch Missionary Baptist Church.  She loved fully, but her love knew no bounds when it came to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gloria is survived by her son, Rex Thompson and wife Carol of Winona, TX, daughter, Gina Estes and special friend Agustin Camacho of Center, TX, sister, Cindy Campbell of Magnolia, TX, grandchildren, Heather Rollins and husband John, Carlos Johnston, Lyndsie Davis and husband William, Cooper Thompson and wife Madison, and Tiffany Johnson and husband Franky, and great-grandchildren, Karlye Johnson, Kahlyen Johnson, Georgia Rollins, Audra Davis, Kobe Johnson, Deuce Davis, Asher Davis, and Delilah Thompson

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gilbert Ray "Toad" Thompson, son, Ricky Ray Thompson, brothers, Bobby Leon Kennimer and Billy Jeff Kennimer, sister-in-law, Teresa Kennimer, and loving friend, Buford Williamson.

A visitation will be held Monday, June 2, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer, Texas, and her funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in the Chapel of Croley Funeral Home.

Pallbearers for the funeral service will be: John Williamson, Logan Williamson, Timmy Thompson, Shane Yocom, Agustin Camacho, and James Jones

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Gloria's longtime friends, Gayle Ayers and Marsha Rogers for their faithful friendship and years of shenanigans. Also, to the caring staff, past and present, at the Wesley House in Gilmer.