Gloria Dutch

Gloria Cecila Dutch was born on November 22, 1963 to Mr. William and Ethel Noakes in Fairfax, Virginia. The youngest of three children, Gloria was the apple of everyone's eye. She was energetic and gifted in everything she did. Gloria’s beautiful smile and laughter was contagious. When Gloria was a child she had the unique opportunity to travel with her mother to Jerusalem. While in Jerusalem Gloria was baptized in the Jordan River, the same river the baptism of our Saviour, Jesus Christ took place. During high school Gloria could often be found performing with the drama club, singing in the choir, or practicing routines for the dance team. In 1981, Gloria graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas, Virginia. After high school, Gloria was introduced to her husband Delbert through a mutual friend. Gloria joked that he came stalking out the house with the meanest mug. Little did they both know that meeting would lead to a love that would last a lifetime. The two became inseparable and on March 31, 1983 Gloria and Delbert married in Fairfax, Virginia. The newlyweds settled in a small apartment in Arlington, Virginia. Gloria and Delbert both loved having a good time, partying it up with friends and family. Gloria loved to travel and her adventurous spirit led them to explore many islands throughout the Caribbean. In June of 1985, Gloria and Delbert welcomed their first child Candice, followed by Kathryn in 1986 and Cara in 1991. Gloria was an excellent mother who nurtured, guided, and loved her girls beyond words. Gloria was a hands-on mother that often volunteered for the girls field trips, helped with homework, planned family vacations, and could always be heard cheering her girls on from the softball sidelines. Gloria began her career with Washington Gas Light Company in January 1984. Gloria was an intelligent woman that believed in education and hard work. She began attending Strayer University at night while working full time and taking care of her family of five. On December 18, 2005, Gloria accomplished a lifelong goal, receiving her Bachelors in Business Management with Magna Cum Laude honors. Gloria continued to climb the corporate ladder at Washington Gas, joining the leadership team, where she retired after 33 years of service. After retirement, Gloria and Delbert set out to make her lifelong dream of living the beach life a reality. They relocated and purchased their retirement home in Wilmington, North Carolina. Although Gloria’s active lifestyle led her to begin a new career endeavor at New Hanover Medical Center, she spent many of her days doing her favorite pastime, soaking up the sun while relaxing on the beach. The beach was truly her happy place! Gloria made sure to pass her love of sandy beaches and blue waves to all of her grandbabies. Gloria loved to laugh and cherished making memories with her family. She was often behind the camera capturing these special moments for all to enjoy. She enjoyed taking shopping trips with her mother Ethel Balitmore, looking for unique pearls. Gloria was known for her amazing cooking and delicious treats, especially her famous Caramel Pound Cake. From childhood until she departed this Earth, God was at the forefront of Gloria’s life. Her faith was strong and her praise was mighty. She spread God's words and talked about his love to many. She sang in the church Choir at both First Baptist Church of Merrifield and Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. She was a proud and active member of the Women's ministry, always willing to comfort and lend a helping hand to anyone in need. God truly blessed when he allowed us to share time with one of his brightest angels. Gloria’s love and memories will remain in the hearts of her husband, Delbert Dutch of the home, mother, Ethel Baltimore of Wilmington, Daughters, Candice Alston (Alex), Kathryn Dutch, Cara Fanning (Bruce); sister Betty Massenburg (Roy), eleven grandchildren, Bria, Sebastian, Zaylor, Zayn, Alex Jr., Taylor Rae, Jace, Tierney, Marley, Harley, Georgia Mae, and a host of relatives and friends.

Tributes

Gloria Dutch

November 22, 1963 - January 14, 2023