Mrs. Gloria Dean (Willis) McQuinney was born on November 3, 1936, in Ruston, Louisiana, the fifth and youngest child born to the late Leonard Willis, Sr. and Mattie Willis. She accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Gibsland, Louisiana. She attended the Little Rock Public Schools and graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School as a member of the Class of 1955. During her youth, she worshiped at Mount Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Frederick T. Guy.

In 1960, Gloria moved to Grand Prairie, Texas, where she met the love of her life, Grady Lee McQuinney. The two were united in holy matrimony on June 27, 1961, and together shared 64 beautiful years of love, faith, and devotion. After relocating to Texas, she became a member of St. John Baptist Church in the Dalworth community under the leadership of Reverend B. E. Collie and later served faithfully under Pastor Emanuel Lupo. She served as the President of the Shephard’s Committee and President of the Youth Department. In 1990, when Pastor Lupo organized Faith Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, Gloria became one of its charter members. Her commitment to the church remained steadfast and consistent as she faithfully served in numerous capacities under Pastor Stanley Smith which included a Deaconess, a member of the Women’s Choir and the church Caterer for all activities. She continued her devoted service under the current leadership of Pastor Jerome L. Williams.

Gloria's life was marked by service, compassion, and a passion for helping others. Although she received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her lifetime, the NAACP Living Legends Award, presented to her in May 2024, was one of the honors she cherished most.

Her professional journey reflected her love for children and education. What began as a position as a teacher's aide at St. John Baptist Church Day Care blossomed into a lifelong calling. She became a classroom teacher and played an instrumental role in the development of the Dalworth Head Start Center, which became an essential resource for early childhood education and care in the community. Her innovative ideas and emphasis on parental involvement helped shape the program's success. For 38 years, Gloria was employed with the Greater Dallas Head Start Program as a Parent Coordinator. In this role, she traveled throughout the United States attending conferences, seminars, and workshops dedicated to advancing early childhood education and strengthening family engagement. She retired in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and empowerment for countless children and families. Following her retirement, Gloria devoted more time to expanding her part-time catering venture, Gloria's Sweet & More, into a thriving business. Through hands-on catering services and cooking classes, she shared her culinary talents and her love for bringing people together around the table. In 2014, her servant's heart led her back into the classroom when she joined Mount Olive Baptist Church Day Care in Arlington, Texas, where she worked part-time until the center closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The Lord called her home on May 30, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved siblings: Mary Woods, Leonard Willis, Jr., Earlene Fowler, and James Lee Willis.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of 64 years, Pastor Grady L. McQuinney; her son, Donald Willis (Trudy); her daughter, Karla Davis (Anthony); her adopted son, Demetrious Watts; and three grandchildren, Kandance Harlan, Anthony Hawthorne, and Jessica Turner. She was also blessed with fifteen great-grandchildren: Kiyah, Knoah (preceded her in death), Kaleb, Kendell, Khole, Isaiah, Alexia, AJ, Elijah, Addison, Aidian, Marqueez Jr., Chase, Chance, and Madison; and one great-great-grandchild, Kaelyn; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith.

A life well lived, a legacy well earned, and a faith that never wavered. Her love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.