Gloria Sheila Knight was born in Barbados on June 25, 1946 to Sheila and Lionel Clarke. Her paternal grandmother nicknamed her Jean which evolved to the name ‘Jeanie’ and became the fondest term of endearment for family and those closest to her. When her mother immigrated to America in the 1960’s, Gloria remained in Barbados to continue raising her siblings with much sacrifice to her young life and future ambitions. As a teen, Gloria learned to make and decorate wedding cakes, sew wedding dresses, design clothes - all without patterns, showcasing her creativity in boutiques throughout Barbados. Gloria designed many forms of arts and crafts, producing various types of merchandise to support her family financially. Gloria was the epitome of the virtuous Proverbs 31 woman. 

Gloria and Sylvester were married on July 27, 1968 and even as a young wife, Gloria continued to care for her siblings. She served in ministry throughout her entire life. First, in Barbados at Prospect Pentecostal Church as a Sunday school teacher and in the Women’s Missionary Department. In addition, Gloria’s home in Barbados was a welcoming place to many cousins who would gather to sit around the table, chat, watch tv, or listen to Radiofusion and eat popcorn. Her home was always open to anyone, no matter the time or day. Family and friends who were going through difficult times in their lives were welcomed to spend time in her home.  

After several years, Gloria took her young sisters to be with her mother in America, and  she happily found out she was pregnant with her first child. Gloria returned to Barbados and gave birth to Karl, and then was blessed with another son, Kurwyn a couple of years later. While her sons  were still young, Gloria immigrated to America, sponsored, supported, and assisted in enhancing her husband personally, spiritually, and professionally, to prepare the way for her young family in the U.S. Through God’s grace and mercy in America, Gloria and Sylvester welcomed the daughter she prayed for, and named her Grace. She provided for her family as a Nurse’s Aide and Medical Assistant for various nursing homes and developed long-lasting relationships with coworkers and their families.

In New York, she became a member of Acts Redeeming Christian Center and  served as a women's prayer group leader and a Sunday School teacher, assisted in organizing church activities, annual church bus rides, and other social events.  Gloria later became a dedicated member at Christian Heritage Church, serving as a well-loved Sunday School teacher, prayer intercessor, and used her sewing skills to design wedding bridal bags and embroidery for offering baskets.

Gloria was a faithful partner in marriage for 52 years and enjoyed many wonderful trips and experiences with her husband. Gloria was a loving mother and would often anoint her children with oil and pray for them before sunrise while they slept. Gloria was blessed with a devoted family who showed their appreciation, gave her flowers, gifts, celebrated milestones, and meticulously cared for her - thus ensuring an excellent quality of life. Her children did not fail on any level to demonstrate their love or attention for both their mother  and father . Gloria is admired by her daughters-in-laws who hold the deepest level of respect for her and the sons she raised. 

Gloria sang the praises of her grandmother Valda, who called upon God as her ‘Daddy-Sweeter and acknowledged the prayers of her mother.   Gloria was a woman of noble character, godly faith, and virtue. Her relationships spanned decades; she was the embodiment of a good friend, relative,  devoted mother and wife. The scripture that flowed from her heart often was found in Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”  

On February 27, 2021, she went home to rest in the presence of  the Lord, passing away peacefully in her sleep.  She leaves behind to follow in her legacy and example, her husband of 52 years, Sylvester Knight; her sons: Karl Knight married to Donna ‘Gillian’ Knight, Kurwyn Knight married to Eva Knight, her grandchildren Eric, Ava-Liane, and Lydia-Joy Knight, her daughter Grace Knight, her brother Ronald in Canada;  sisters Georgia in Barbados, Joy in New Mexico, nieces and nephews, beloved cousins, dear friends, and fellow believers whose lives she touched all who will miss her deeply and profoundly. Our Jeanie, a strong and faithful believer, an example of godly virtue. We have been left with her investments of love and care; we strive to continue her legacy and in her words “nothing will be lost”.  In the end, she was the sum of her faith in the Almighty God and in our grieving, we also celebrate her life.