Gloria Ann Shirkey of South Charleston, loving wife, mother, grandmother, devoted teacher, and friend, went home to be with the Lord on the morning of February 11, 2024.

Gloria was born in Charleston on September 19, 1935. She was the daughter of Roy and Naomi Francis, and sister to Dorothy McClure, all of whom have proceeded her in death.

Gloria is a graduate of South Charleston High School and West Virginia State University, with a degree in Education. She served as a Kanawha County elementary school teacher and was well known for her dedication to her students. Gloria lives on through her many students, whose hearts she touched throughout the years.

Always an educator, she also served as a curator at the South Charleston Interpretive Center for the last 15 years, resigning only due to her recent illness. Gloria was celebrated for her broad knowledge of the history of South Charleston, and loved sharing it with her community.

Gloria was also a faithful servant of Christ and was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church of South Charleston, where she served as the Chairman of the Board of Christian Education, Sunday School Superintendent, and member of the Board of Trustees and Board of Deacons.

Above all else, Gloria was the most committed and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Notorious for her spunky character, warm hugs, “dessert first” mentality, night owl nature, steadfast loyalty, and perfect grilled cheese sandwiches, she will be forever cherished and greatly missed by her family.

Gloria was the widow of Warren M. Shirkey, her soul mate of 68 years. Warren passed almost four years to the day before Gloria. As esteemed dancers, they could always be found on the dance floor together. Gloria and Warren are likely celebrating their Heavenly reunion dancing together again.

Gloria is survived by her three children, six grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren: Daughter, Kathy, and her two children, Chad and Brittany; son, Warren Jr and his two children, Zachary and Briana; and son, David, and his two children, Madison and Katelyn.

Friends and family are invited to share in the celebration of Gloria’s life on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the First Baptist Church of South Charleston. Visitation begins at 5:00 pm with a service to follow at 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to West Virgina’s Imagination Library, encouraging literacy for all West Virginia children through free books. Donations can be made in honor of Gloria online at https://give.marshall.edu/project/26398/donate. Please change the drop-down box to “Other,” and in the comments type, “DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY OF WEST VIRGINIA.”

Memories of Gloria may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.