Ms. Gloria Elsie Baker Thompson

Gloria Elsie Baker Thompson, a native of Thibodaux, Louisiana, was born March 17, 1933 to Lula Mae and Emile Baker, Jr. She departed this life on Thursday, November 29, 2018.

Gloria was educated in the Lafourche Parish Public School System. She later entered the health care profession as a licensed practical nurse. She served patients and the staff of St. Joseph Catholic Hospital for more than thirty years. After retirement, she moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where she assisted in operating Flowers Residential Care Facility.

Gloria accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age in Thibodaux, LA. After she made Columbia, South Carolina her home, she joined Sweet Home Baptist Church where she served faithfully for more than forty years. During her time at Sweet Home Baptist Church, she served in many capacities including: Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher, Secretary of the Pastor’s Aide, President of the Missionary Board, a member of Women in Christ, and a member of the Jubilee and Women’s Choir. She received an appreciation award for her years of hard work and dedication in many ministries of the church. In 2018, she received the Missionary Emeritus Award as President of Sweet Home Baptist Church, the highest achievement for a president in this mission.

Gloria was very active in her community and she received various awards. She served as the leader of a local Girl Scout troop under the Congaree Girl Scout Council, where she received several congratulatory awards for her service and dedication. Gloria decided to open her home as a Licensed Foster Parent.  Her loving and caring nature garnered her numerous recognitions. She received achievement awards as a devoted foster mom.

Gloria married Earl Thompson, Sr., and to this union, five children were born. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. “Grandma Gloria” or “Granny” as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, was very family-oriented. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends. She also loved cooking and was an excellent baker.  She had a knack for giving her food just the right creole flavor.  She was featured in The State Newspaper after winning the Neighbors Favorite Recipe Contest for her famous Pecan Pralines and Pecan Sandies cookie recipes. Until her health failed, she enjoyed sewing and crocheting. Granny loved football and appreciated those who would sit and watch games with her. She had a passion for reading and following the scriptures and even singing old spiritual hymns. She was very loving and kind with a big heart. She loved to encourage everyone who came into contact with her.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, eight siblings, and two children, Norma Ann Hipp and Jeanne Theresa Thompson.

Gloria leaves to cherish many unforgettable memories, her children, Ann (Theodore) Flowers of Columbia, SC, Earl (Ella) Thompson, Jr., of Houma, LA, and Levet Allen of Columbia, SC; her sister, Victoria Beo, of Houma, LA; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.

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