Gloria Mckinstry (Lansing)

Our Beloved Momma and Big Mama, Gloria McKinstry, was called to be in the garden of the Lord God on Friday, February 14, 2020 at the age of 97. She’s now a perfect rose beautifying His garden. She was born on August 4, 1922 to Mose Hall and Cora Pruitt in Birmingham, Alabama. She grew up with her brothers and sisters, Mose, Catherine, Fannie Pearl, Early, Curtis, Walter and Cora. She was the last and longest living of the closely-knit siblings.

She was married to George McKinstry, Sr. (deceased) for 31 years. To this marriage she had 2 children, son George, Jr. and daughter, Patricia. She also had 5 other children: 3 daughters, Juanita, Ruby, Jesse Delois and 2 sons, Walter (deceased) and William James.

George and Gloria relocated to Lansing, Michigan, where she was a hard and dedicated worker in various jobs. Gloria was a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and served faithfully with her husband, George as he served on the Deacon Ministry until his death and until she was not physically able to attend.

Gloria loved fishing and her greatest joy came from cooking and having family gatherings. Gloria was down to earth, spoke her mind, stood her ground, loved fashion and wore it well. Yes, short in stature, but stood tall. She was a wonderful nurturer and loving to all her children, nieces, nephew, cousins, and any child that entered her home. She was loved and blessed for 97 years here on earth. She was a devoted mother, a proud grandmother, a happy great grandmother, an excited great-great grandmother, and a grateful great-great-great grandmother to 176 loved children.

Our Beloved Gloria leaves family members who will forever love and cherish her in memory: children, Juanita of Lansing, Michigan, Ruby Guyton of Dallas, Texas, Jesse Delois Glover of Detroit, Michigan, William James (Shelia) Hall of Grand Rapids, Michigan, George (Teri) McKinstry, Jr. and Patricia McKinstry (Stan) Allen both of Lansing, Michigan; thirty-two grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren, 76 great-great grandchildren, and 13 great-great-great grandchildren. She will also be remembered by her special niece, Katherine (Cat) Hunter and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, eldest son, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.