Gloria Jean Barnhill

Gloria Jean Barnhill, 82, of Fayetteville passed away on September 24, 2024, at her home with her loving family.

She was born on May 27, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Ralph and Claudine Smith. Also preceding her in death is her sister, Gayle Gary; brother, Buddy Smith; son, Archie Clinton Barnhill; and her great-grandson Sonny Raven.

Gloria was married to Archie, the love of her life, for just shy of 65 years. They were two peas in a pod and were always together. Their love and devotion for each other was a thing of beauty.

She was a stay-at-home mom until the late 1970’s when she got her drivers license for the first time, and then she went to work for Cumberland County Schools.

She was a member of Praise Fellowship Church of God (formerly C & Adams Street Church of God) for 63 years. She served in many positions at the church during that time, including Sunday School Teacher in the nursery and singing in the choir. 

Her church family, her faith, and her relationship with God was very important to her and she instilled that into her four daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

To know her was to love her. She was humble and soft spoken. She had a heart of gold and was always willing to help her neighbors, family, and friends. Her kind, gentle, and sweet spirit uplifted everyone.

She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Being a grandmother and great grandmother was one of the greatest joys of her life. Always ready to babysit at a moment’s notice. She experienced great joy when her house was full with the sounds of her family. 

Words could never express how blessed we were to have her as a guiding force in our lives. She was truly an angel on Earth, and our faith in Jesus assures us that we will see her again.

We encourage you to honor mom by wearing her favorite color, pink, at her service.

Left to cherish Gloria’s memory is her husband of 64 years, Archie Barnhill; children, Georgia Williams (Randy), Sherri Jordan (Robert), Maria Pollick (Carl), and Sonya Barnhill; grandchildren, Glenn Archie Decker, Dallas Clinton Williams(Amanda), Eric Robert Jordan, Alan Gene Jordan (Jessica), Tre’ DeTar, Ian DeTar, Zack DeTar, Taylor Raven (Ryan), Morgan McLean, and Sherry Brown; great-grandchildren, Wren Williams, Clint Williams, Alaina DeTar, Chloe DeTar, Caleb DeTar, Charlie Williams, Meadow DeTar, Elara DeTar, and Jade Raven; several nieces and nephews; honorary daughter, Sharlene Lee, and beloved caregiver, Carol Autry.

A memorial service is scheduled for 4pm on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Praise Fellowship Church of God with Pastor Kevin Edwards residing. The family will receive visitors following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Services are entrusted to Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service & Crematory.