Gloria Ann (Pope) Griggs was born Aug. 22, 1937, in Clarksville, Texas to Herbert and Dorothy Pope. She graduated from Clarksville, Texas High School in 1955. From there she attended Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas for one year before continuing her studies at West Texas State College (now West Texas A&M) in Canyon, Texas where she received her bachelor’s degree in education on May 24, 1959. After graduation, she taught 3rd grade in Amarillo, Texas. In 1973, Gloria received her master’s in education from the University of Houston in Houston, Texas while she continued her career in education, teaching in Dallas, Texas, Pasadena, Texas and lastly League City, Texas before she retired.
On Jun. 16, 1987, Gloria married Alan Griggs in San Antonio, Texas. It was the first marriage for both, each being in their mid-40’s. It turned out to be a happy and blessed union during which they shared many common interests and hobbies. They were married for 38 years until Gloria died suddenly and unexpectedly from health complications on Mar. 22, 2025. She and Alan were residents of Lillian, Alabama for the last twenty years.
Throughout her life, Gloria loved to teach and travel. She particularly enjoyed planning flowers and taking pictures of the flowers that bloomed in her yard along with pictures taken during her many trips with Alan. They visited many places in the world including the United States, Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, Australia, and Canada. Her other interests included reading, camping, and supporting various animal charities. She loved cats and owned several throughout the years.
She was a loving wife and a dear friend to many. She is often described as being genuine, friendly, nurturing, and generous. Many of her students considered themselves fortunate to have her for a teacher. Naturally curious, she never lost her desire for reading and knowledge. For many she was a friend, like-a-sister, always nurturing – a real rarity. Gloria always enjoyed her time together with family and friends. Our feeling is gratitude for the joy of knowing Gloria. She will be sorely missed.
Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert & Dorothy Pope. She is survived by her loving husband, Alan, her cousins Johnnie Pope of Clarksville, Texas, Maryann Ireland of College Station, Texas, Robin Hall and Cynitha Hall of Loganville, Georgia, and Hays Hall of Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Her memorial service will be held at Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church, 13220 Main Street, Elberta, Alabama on May 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. On a later date, her ashes will be spread along with flowers on the waters of the Gulf of America.
