Gloria King

Gloria Jean King, age 72, passed away peacefully March 28, 2016 in Hot Springs. She was born in Muskogee Oklahoma on December 9, 1943. She was a member of Central Baptist Church, Hot Springs. She spent most of her life in Hot Springs. She was a 1961 graduate of Hot Springs High School, a member of the 1961 Debutante Coterie, graduated Ouachita Baptist University in 1965 with a degree in Speech, Drama and English and a minor in Education and earned her masters in Speech and Dramatic Art in 1971 from the University of Arkansas. She did advanced graduate studies at the University of Georgia in Theatre and Eastern Illinois University in Interpersonal Communication and Curriculum Development for Secondary Schools. Gloria, (Jeannie to her family) was a gifted and dedicated educator. Her contributions enhanced countless young lives. After completing her education, she spent the first 10 years in Morrilton, Arkansas as a speech, English and drama teacher. She put on 20 incredible shows, including ‘The Diary of Anne Frank' and ‘Harvey'.She spent the next 6 years at Ouachita Baptist University in ATAC as an advisory specialist, visiting instructor and field consultant. She also was an instructor of off-campus graduate courses in education.She spent one year as a speech and English teacher at Little Rock Mills High School. After 45 years in the education field, she retired in 2010 with 28 years service in the Hot Springs School District where she was a curriculum and instructional supervisor.She held countless workshops, was a guest speaker, a member of numerous professional organizations and had many commendations including: Arkansas State Thespian Director, Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who in the South and Southwest, The World Who's Who of Women and Outstanding Leader in Education. She will be remembered for her limitless generosity and her love of Christmas. In retirement, she took great joy in watching marathon Turner Classic Movies. Her niece, Hayley, said, "If there is a theatre in heaven, Aunt Jeannie is in the middle of it." She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert E. (Duck) King, Sr. and Beulah Faye King; stepmother, Bernice Webb King; brother, Al King, Jr. and uncle, Heiz Sullins. She is survived by sister-in-law, Martha J. King of Hot Springs; two nieces and their spouses, Carol Ann and Michael Henley of Jacksonville and P.J. and Dennis Hodges of Little Rock; great-niece, Hayley Henley of Jacksonville and numerous cousins in Jonesboro. Honorary pallbearers are: Michael Henley, Dennis Hodges, Ted Nobles, Bobby Stout, Doreen and George Edwards, Patrick Vancourt and her associates with the Hot Springs School District. The family would like to thank Brookfield Assisted Living for their love and care. Also, a special thank you to Bobby Stout for his many acts of kindness. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11a.m., Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wrights Lane, Hot Springs. The Reverend Coy Sample will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to: Hot Springs School District, 400 Linwood Street, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913. Memo line: Family OutReach Center/In Memory of Gloria King. This center assists families in overcoming barriers that make learning difficult for children. Guests may register at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.