On October 2 , 1945 , in Jacksonville , Flordia , the lord blessed Clarence and Berneas Dixon with the birth of a special babygirl. They named her Gloria Odessa.

Gloria confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was baptized and served faithfully as an active member of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church , and in years later the Northside Church of Christ. At the time she was called home , she had served faithfully as a member of the Hialeah Church of Christ , in Hialeah FL, actively participating in several ministries. 

An outstanding honor student , after graduating from New Stanton Senior Highschool in 1963 , Gloria grauated in three years with a B.S degree from Flordia A & M University. After teaching in the Duval County School System for one year , Gloria was awarded an academic fellowship to attend graduate school at the University of Oklahoma. In 1968, she recevied a Master's degree in Communications. She was a member of Beta Alpha Chapter , Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,Inc. 

During her 39-year tenure as an educator , Gloria demostrated an uncanny proficiency in several areas of the education spectrum, including, by not limited to, Speech Pathology, Autism,the Hearing Impaired and Exceptional Education for the Gifted. Gloria, like a candle, consumed herself to light the way for others. Her teaching has affected eternity, for only God knows where her influences will stop. 

Gloria leaves to await the grand family reunion sons , Kwame Mclendon (Shereen), of Atlanta GA, and Elder Omari Mclendon of Jacksonville,NC;granddaughter , Mikayla McLendon; brothers, Larry Dixon (Jasmine) and Clarence Dixon, Jr., of Jacksonville; aunt, Altamese Blake, of Jacksonville, FL; uncles , Cleveland Albertie (Toni) of Detroit, MI , and Harold Moreland (Elaine) , of San Antonio , TX; a host of nieces , nephews , and many friends.