Gloria emigrated from Jamaica in November 1971 with three of her children to join her husband Ivan James in Paterson, NJ, where she lived for many years before retiring to Miramar, FL where she made her home until her passing.

Gloria was a tireless woman and a nurturing, wonderful mother, endlessly devoted to her nuclear and extended family.  Generous almost to a fault, Gloria could not witness those in need without wanting to help in some way.  She was fearless and strong, dressed as she was in the armor of God, never afraid to speak her mind or to stand up to protect those she loved.  The words "If God spare my life" were never far from her lips when asked about plans for the future because she knew well that tomorrow and even the next moment were not promised.  As with her husband, Christ Way Baptist Church provided Gloria with a new Church home, a purpose, and a way to praise the God she loved through service.

Gloria was preceded in her passing from this life by her grandson Alexander James Baker; her sisters Adina, Eileen and Hazel Silvera, Joyce Roberts and Inette Taylor; and her brothers Hewitt and Bill Silvera.

Gloria leaves her loving husband of nearly sixty years, Ivan James, to cherish her memory.  Rarely did he ever leave her side, either in sickness or in good health, until finally only death could part them as they promised one another so long ago.  She also leaves her daughters Maxine Baker (Willie Baker) of Marietta, GA and Ruth James of Miramar, FL; her sons Ralph McKenzie of North Lauderdale, FL, Garfield Dias of Stockbridge, GA and Glenroy James of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; grandchildren Swean and Lou-Ann McKenzie, William Mercado and Destine Franklin and Jonathan and Ebony Baker; her brother Keith Silvera; nine great grandchildren and a host of other loving relatives and the many friends who were blessed to have known her.