Gloria Swanson Allen Shepard

Gloria Swanson Shepard was born on May 4, 1926, in Raleigh, North Carolina the third child of William Floyd and Alcora Jones Allen. She completed her primary education in the public school system in Raleigh, NC. and graduated college in 1950 from the Winston Salem Teacher’s College. She was the first in her family to graduate college. After college she worked in the Pittsylvania County Schools in Gretna, Va. as an elementary teacher. A short time later, she was recruited by her friend and future husband, Addison R. Shepard, Sr., to come and work with him in Franklin, N.C. as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher. Teaching both grades in the same classroom at the same time. In 1955 she married Addison Shepard Sr. and remained with him until he earned his heavenly wings 2003. From that union a son Addison Randolph Shepard, Jr was born. She worked in the Asheville, N.C. School System for a short time before moving to New Jersey where she worked in the Elizabeth, New Jersey School system for over 25 years until her retirement in 1989.

After retirement Addison and Gloria moved back home to Raleigh to what she called her dream home. Together they were devoted and loving members of Oberlin Baptist Church where she sang in the church choir. She enjoyed retirement surrounded by her loving siblings, family, neighbors and lifelong friends. She loved having family and friends over for fellowship and they were known for their Holiday brunch. Gloria was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Les Cousettes and Quettes social club.

In March of 2020 during the beginning of the COVID pandemic Gloria relocated to Upper Marlboro, Maryland to be with her son Addison, her daughter–in-law and her granddaughters Morgan and Kendall. During this season of her life, she was fondly known by all of Addison’s and Vera’s (family) and friends as "Nana."

Left to enjoy beautiful memories of Mom, Gloria, “Nana” are her son Addison “Skipee”, daughter-in-law Vera, granddaughters Morgan and Kendall, Brother Rufus (Peggy), Sister–in-laws Valentine and Beatrice Allen and a host of nieces and nephews. and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday January 4, 2023 at Oberlin Baptist Church, 806 Oberlin Road, Raleigh NC 27605.  On Friday February 3, 2023 a public viewing is scheduled from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Haywood Funeral Home, 2415 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.  There will be a visitation prior to the service at 10:30 AM.  The Interment follows the service at Carolina Biblical Gardens, 1530 Creech Road, Garner, NC 27529.

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