Gloria Gilbert Layman's Obituary
Gloria Gilbert Layman, age 96, of Longview, Texas, passed away on January 30, 2025, at a local hospital. She was born on December 1, 1928 in Jersey City, NJ to Marie Hayden and William A Jamison.
Gloria grew up in Dunellen, NJ. She was an excellent student and had perfect attendance at Sunday school. She loved dancing, primarily ballet and performed in numerous recitals. She completed Business School and began her lifelong career as a Secretary and Office Manager.
In 1950 Gloria decided to relocate to California and drove her mother and cocker spaniel cross country from Rhode Island to Los Angeles in her old Nash automobile. While there she met the love of her life, a handsome sailor from Texas – Jim Layman. They were married on December 12, 1952 and were blessed with two children, son Geoffrey and daughter Lauretta.
Gloria’s love of music and dance continued throughout her life. She attended the Longview Symphony, numerous ballet performances and The Texas Shakespeare Festival. She and Jim took up square dancing and were very active in clubs including the Oil Patch Promenaders. Gloria and Jim loved spending time together - over the course of their lives playing golf, shooting archery, bowling and traveling. She was also active as a volunteer with the Good Shepherd Auxiliary.
Gloria was a member of Winterfield United Methodist Church and the Loyal Workers Sunday School Class.
Above all else, she was a great wife and mother and we will miss her dearly.
Gloria was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Jim, her faithful canine companion Buddy, her parents, brother and sister-in-law Bernie and Eleanor Thompson, sister and brother-in-law Marian and John Pauly, and sister and brother-in-law Margaret and Pete Wuelfing.
Those left to cherish her memory are son Geoffrey Layman and daughter and son-in-law Lauretta and Jim Hallman.
To honor Mom’s wishes no service will be held. Memorial donations may be made in Gloria’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.
Words cannot convey how fortunate we were to be blessed
with such a wonderful Mom and Dad.
What’s your fondest memory of Gloria?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gloria?
Share a story where Gloria's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gloria you’ll never forget.
How did Gloria make you smile?