Gloria H. Whitson

Gloria Faye Hulsey Whitson 1936-2013 Our beautiful Gloria passed away Friday, Jan 18, 2013 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Don, and her 2 children: daughter Amy Whitson Nugent, son Greg Whitson, daughter-in-law Suzie Whitson and also 5 grandchildren: Shane Nugent, Abbey Nugent, Drake Nugent, Ethan Whitson and Reed Whitson all of Colorado. She was predeceased by her baby daughter Stacey Ellen, her sister Carroll Hulsey Rook and her parents Velma and John Hulsey. Gloria was born in Dallas, Texas in 1936 and attended Highland Park High School (1954) and Southern Methodist University (1958). She often spoke of her happy childhood and fun high school memories. She loved her years at SMU and was an active member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After college, she worked for Petro-Fina Oil Company where she met her beloved husband Don who asked the pretty blonde at the front desk for her number after Don had a business meeting there. They married at Perkins Chapel on the SMU campus February 19, 1960. Her children were all born in Dallas, in 1961, 1962 and 1965. While living in Dallas she was active in the Junior Charity League. In 1967, the family moved to Corpus Christi, Texas for a few years and then moved to Denver, Colorado in 1971 where they settled in Englewood, Colorado and raised their family. She loved her home, her neighbors, and her walking group of friends who called themselves ""The Broad Walkers"" for many years! She worked as a stay-at home mom and was a constant fixture at all of her children's activities. She volunteered for their schools and numerous charities throughout the years. She also enjoyed working for Miller-Davis Associates for several years in the 80's. She loved her many travels with Don: Hawaii, Carmel and Monterrey, Moab, Sedona Montana, Yellowstone and many cruises, just to name a few. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church and gave her children a firm foundation in their faith. Gloria loved children and many of them would come to sit on her porch for a chat with ""Miss Gloria."" She loved to have guests in her home and would always offer a ""glass of tea"" in her charming southern accent, which, by the way, never left her. She was intensely proud of being a Texan too, but appreciated the beauty of Colorado and loved the life she shared with Don here. She was also proud of her children and grandchildren and often remarked how much joy they brought her! She will be remembered for her contagious joyful attitude, nurturing demeanor and beautiful smile. She loved to be silly and laugh in her unselfish way with friends and family. She never considered anyone a stranger and she made friends easily. Gloria was genuinely interested in everyone she met and was always quick with a compliment to make everyone feel good. She spread joy by doing small things with great love. She enjoyed giving her famous Christmas cookies to her neighbors, remembering birthdays and special occasions in thoughtful ways, finding the perfect gift for someone, babysitting her grandchildren, making huge family dinners, offering up perfect advice when needed, lending a confidential ear to all who shared their life challenges with her, and even buying hamburgers and handing them to homeless people on the street. She had a heart of gold. She left a great impression upon her children and grandchildren and will forever be remembered as a Godly woman of great faith who lived her life honestly with great love, integrity, compassion and acceptance of everyone. She always said, ""You can never say I love you too much!"" which she demonstrated every day of her life! But more than anything, precious Gloria (Glo, Mom, Nana, Miss Gloria, Ms.Whitty) will be remembered as a loving devoted gracious wife and mother who loved her life and her family so deeply and ALWAYS put them first. Love and Great Peace to you Lovely, Darling Gloria! Memorial Service will be held Friday February 8, 2013, 11:00 am, Cherry Hills Chapel, 3900 Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126. Memorial contributions may be made in Gloria's name to: Alzheimer's Association - Gloria Whitson Memorial Fund Online donations: http://act.alz.org/goto/Gloria.Whitson Checks can be mailed to: Alzheimer's Association of Colorado Gloria Whitson Memorial Fund 455 Sherman Street, Suite 500 Denver, CO 80203 1.800.272.3900 OR The Delta Delta Delta Fund for Children's Hospital Checks can be mailed to: Tri Delta Endowment Chairman 7386 South Ogden Way Centennial, CO 80122 Please share your memories of Gloria and condolences with her family by signing the guestbook.