Obituary - Gloria Ann Sutton

Know therefore that the Lord, your God, is God; he is a faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations who love Him and keep His commandments." -Deuteronomy 7:9

Gloria A. Sutton was born on February 10, 1962, to the late Abram and Fannie Ruth Mclean. She departed this earthly life on December 31, 2024, in Henrico, Virginia.

Gloria grew up and was educated in Jersey City, NJ public schools, including Dickinson High School. She loved to write, dance, sing, and imagine, all traits that she passed on to her children. Gloria charted her bold adult life in 1980, marrying and raising her three children in Newark, NJ.

Her life was no crystal stair. She hustled but never complained about her sacrifices for her children. Instead, she stood as an example to all of us throughout her life—dignity, grace, perseverance, and steadfastness personified. She made a career and second home at Kean University in Union, NJ, where she worked as a Registrar Administrator alongside loving colleagues for 22 years until her retirement in 2017.

Gloria was a quiet spirit, but her sweet high-pitched voice and laughter were radiant and could fill a room. She was witty and quick, always willing to joke around with friends and family. Gloria loved cats, the sun and ocean, and earrings (that she could never keep track of!), and she never turned down the opportunity to eat at an authentic New Jersey-style diner. Her favorite movies included comedies and Korean soap operas that she often shared with her loving daughters (and anyone else who would listen). Gloria will be especially remembered for her love of God and her kindness, as she gave freely of her time and money, even her last.

She is preceded in death by her little brother Michael and her parents.

Her lasting memory will forever live with her three children Larry D. Sutton, Jr., Chavon T. Sutton, and Latashia S. Sutton, who loved her fiercely and completely; her remaining siblings: Orlando Mclean, Dexter Mclean, Jackie Mclean, Patricia Pla, Gerald Mclean and Sharon Mclean; her four grandchildren: Shavona, Heaven, Kayla, Shiah and adopted grandchildren Jahiyah and Sandrea; her many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; and countless chosen family, friends and neighbors who adored her. Together we share in the grief caused by her passing, but sing praises of gratitude and joy for her now resting in the everlasting protection of God.

A wake/visitation for Gloria will be held Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Henry W. Woody Inc, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 10, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229. A committal service will occur Friday, January 10, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, 12069 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA 23238.