Gloria E. Johnson, age 74, passed away peacefully, on Saturday June 8, 2024, in Wilmington, North Carolina.
The daughter of the late Army Sgt. Willie James Merrick and Elois Robbins, Gloria was born on November 4, 1949, in Wilmington NC.
She graduated from Leland High School in 1967, studied at Miller Business college, and as a devoted christian, completed two years of study at Carver Bible Institute. Gloria attended St. James Church in New Haven CT, where she gave her life to Christ under the auspices of Bishop Arlester Coward. Gloria was a loyal member of Sweet Hope Free Will Baptist Church in New Haven CT, for 15 years prior to rejoining Myrtle Grove AME Church in Leland NC under Rev. Hannah Green.
Gloria was a former employee at Corning Glass in Wilmington, NC and worked alongside her mother Elois Robbins in the early 70’s. She relocated to Connecticut in 1972 and worked at Pratt & Whitney, Turbine Components, and Wood Group Component Repair, where she retired before moving back to Leland NC in 2016.
Gloria loved bowling, collecting dolls, and caring for her family and grandchildren. Gloria had the sweetest, loving, and caring personality and didn’t mind telling it like it is if she had to!
In 2017 her son, Gaylord Salters, wrote and published the novel Momma Bear as a love letter to her, in honor of the unyielding devotion she carried for her four children.
Gloria is survived by: Tony Kenneth Johnson, her husband of 20 years; sister Carolyn Bowden of Leland NC; twin brothers Donald and Ronald Merrick of Leland NC, sister Muriel Graham of Leland NC; sister Beatrice Merrick-Jackson of Newark DE; sister Janet Merrick of Lawrenceville NJ; surrogate sister Gaynell Martin of New Haven CT; son Carlos Merrick of Leland NC; daughter Lakeebler Johnson of Leland NC; son Gaylord Salters of New Haven CT; step sons Jordan and Anthony Johnson of Orangeburg SC; 14 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Gloria was preceded in death by her youngest child, Johnny Johnson, who she will be laid to rest beside at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
The Family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all who expressed their genuine love, concern, and support for her in the difficult days, from both Connecticut and North Carolina. In addition, the most sincere gratitude to her granddaughter, Gabrielle A. Salters, who moved from Connecticut to North Carolina to care for her up until she was called home.
A celebration of life will be held in her honor at Davis Funeral Home in Wilmington NC on June 15, 2024. After service, her repass will be held at Wilmington Moose Lodge 343, 4610 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington NC 28412