Sunrise: Feb. 4, 1947 Sunset: Oct. 30, 2018
1st Corinthians 15:51-55 “Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? “
The sunrise of a beautiful life began Feb. 4, 1947. Gloria Faye Scranton-Walker was the second of 11 children born in St. Maurice to the late Jessie Walker and Zettie Scranton Walker. On Oct. 30, 2018, she exchanged time for eternity by the divine order and call of God. Visitation will be Thursday, Nov. 8 from 6-9 p.m. at Free Indeed Church International Church, 7111 Homestead Road, Houston, Texas, then again Saturday, Nov. 10 from 10- 11:45 a.m. Funeral services will be at Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church, 8260 Hwy 71, Saint Maurice. Gloria was reared in a loving Christian home where she was taught the love of Jesus, family and education.
Her conversion to Christianity occurred at a young age at Evergreen Baptist Church, St. Maurice under the Pastoralship of Pastor Wilson. Gloria’s education was secured in the public school system of New Enterprise Elementary, St. Maurice and J. W. Gaines High School, Montgomery where she graduated and received her high school diploma at the age of 16 with the “Class of 1963.” Gloria moved to San Francisco, Calif., in 1963, where she attended San Francisco City College. While attending College she began working at the United States Post Office where she held several positions.
She retired after 40 years of service. Gloria married her high school sweetheart, James Martin Sapp, Feb. 8, 1969, and the two moved to Gary, Ind. While in Indiana, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Indiana in 1975. In 1978, they moved from Indiana to Houston. They were blessed with two beautiful girls, Jamie and Stacy. Gloria had a kind spirit, was a wise woman who taught her children morals, values, compassion and the importance of keeping a spiritual focus. Gloria was very serious about her spiritual journey. She joined Blessed Hope Baptist Church in 1978 under the leadership and Founder, Pastor Jesse E. Green. She believed in working for the Lord; she served as a Deaconess, a member of the Christian Guild, the Mission and the Usher Board, in which she was President of the Senior Ushers. She loved her pastor, wife and church family. She had a special place in her heart for people. She was compassionate about reading her Bible and learning the Word of God. She completed a seven-year Bible Study Fellowship Program with Second Baptist of Houston. She was faithful until her health failed. The legacy that this “great woman of God” has left with her footprints shall never be wash out of the sand. She was full of good works and charitable deeds. “Acts 9:36, Gloria was a true servant of God”! We can truly say her “Love Language” was service and she served with a smile. She will forever be remembered by family and friends for her faithfulness to Christ Jesus, her family, hospitality, down home cooking and her beautiful smile.
Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, Jessie and Zettie Walker; sister, Marilyn Walker; and nephew, Demetrious Dyonne Jackson, whom she adored! Gloria’s legacy will live on in her husband, James Martin Sapp; two loving daughters, Jamie Latricia Sapp and Stacy Michelle Sapp; two grandchildren, Greyson James Sapp-Parker and Maciah Amon Long; eight sisters, Gwendolyn Newton, Deborah Dillard (Raymond), Cecelia Jackson (John), Thressa Walker-Shaw, Lesa Maghett, Ginger Brown, Maggie Gray, Anna Walker. One brother, Kevin Walker (Kim); other in-laws, Eugene Sapp (Ruby), Merve Sapp (Stella), Edward Sapp (Geraldine), Maxine Brown (Charles) and Juanita Hamilton (Robert); two aunts, Oreathis Harris and Leona Valentine; a host of loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and loving cousins; two Godchildren, Aurelya Tashae Clemons and J’Mia Chrishelle Hall; and a loving church family, friends and all who shared her amazing life!
Flowers: S & S Flower Shop & Tuxedo Rental (James Scarborough Owner), 702 University Parkway, Natchitoches, (318) 357-8273; 1-800-705-2007