Gloria Chaney's Obituary
OBITUARY FOR GLORIA JEAN CUMBY CHANEYGLORIA JEAN CUMBY CHANEY was born on January 5, 1944, in Berkeley, California. Gloria was the first child born to the late James and Geraldine Cumby. Gloria’s parents had been married for twelve years before being blessed with their first baby girl. Needless to say, they were ecstatic! Gloria was the apple of her parents’ eyes and was doted on by family and friends alike. She was soon joined by her five siblings, Delores, James, Jackie, Linda and Shirley. Throughout the years, the six siblings developed a strong, unbreakable bond among themselves.Gloria attended Longfellow Elementary School, Burbank Junior High and Berkeley High Schools, graduating in 1963. She decided to utilize her love for people and pursued a career in nursing. She entered the Nursing Program at Contra Costa College and graduated at the top of her class. Gloria went on ,to pass the State Boards exam and successfully obtained her Registered Nurse license. Gloria was proud to be a Registered Nurse and hundreds of patients received skilled, compassionate and devoted care from her through the years.She worked at Brookside Hospital in Richmond, Highland Hospital in Oakland, Garfield Geropsychiatric Facility in Oakland, Home Health Plus and several skilled nursing facilities, serving in the capacity as both staff nurse and nurse manager. Having injured her hip when she was ten years of age, Gloria eventually had to retire after thirty plus years of delivering quality nursing services. Gloria met and married David Chaney shortly after her nursing career started. This marriage lasted a short period of time.Gloria accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late W.H. Sypert at McGee Avenue Baptist Church. At McGee, she played the piano for the Sunday School, was active in the BYF, choir and served on the Usher Board. She later joined Greater New Mt. Herman Baptist Church in Berkeley, pastored by the late Nelson Davis. In 1995, led by the Holy Spirit, Gloria united with Palma Ceia Baptist Church under the pastorship of the late Charles F. Bennett. At Palma Ceia, Gloria enjoyed her noon-day Wednesday bible study class, attended Sunday School, was a Prayer Warrior and co-taught bible study. She was an avid bible student and enjoyed studying, sharing and teaching God’s word. Even in her last painful days, she was reaching out and witnessing to fellow residents and staff. Unfortunately, with a residence relocation to Tracy and health decline, she had to forego many of her church activities.Gloria’s greatest joy was the birth of her son, Jaimel, and the birth of her granddaughter, Ilori Sahrang, who lovingly called her Nana. As a single Mom, she devoted endless energy to ensure that she was the best mother and grandmother God would blessed her to become. She loved her teachable moments with Jaimel and watching him mature into the fine Christian man he is today. Gloria enjoyed preparing delicious home cooked meals for family and friends. Most notably was her homemade buttered biscuits, 4-layer chocolate cake, peach cobbler and applesauce cake that gave her great joy in baking for her son and nephews.Gloria departed this life on Friday, August 12, 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Geraldine Cumby. She leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Jaimel (Emily); her granddaughter, Ilori; one brother, James Cumby (Lavern); four sisters: Delorse Cumby, Jackie Jones (Robert), Linda Cumby, and Shirley Cumby, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, church family and friends.Gloria was truly a child of God and trusted in Him in every aspect of her life! She was ready when He lovingly called her home.
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