Obituary for Gloria Kay Leflett
On Wednesday, September 16, 1936, a beautiful baby girl, Gloria Kay Blackburn was born in her grandmother's boarding house in Hobart Oklahoma to prominent farmers, Kaye and Landus Blackburn. Her birth marked the end of a long drought in Southwest Oklahoma and the beginning of a wonderful adventure of a cowgirl nicknamed Goddie. Gloria was an only child, so family and friends have always been important to her. She made precious friends like Jerlene Hubbard who remained dear throughout her life. She learned her parents' principles including God, family and honest hard work.
Gloria attended Hobart High School where she met her soul mate, Billy Wayne Leflett. It was love at first sight. They were married in Vernon, Texas. Bill joined the Air Force and was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base. Gloria had her first child in Sequin, Texas. She had three beautiful children. She blessed them with a wealth of happiness and memories.
Gloria delighted in making a home for her family. You couldn't find a better cook - or a more loving mother or wife. She created a home that loved to "play" whether it was board games, camping trips, fishing expeditions, motorcycle excursions or movie nights, this family enjoyed life.
Bill and Gloria lived in San Antonio, Lubbock and Tulsa. In 1969, the couple decided to return to their roots in Altus and start their own business. They always had a love for adventure and decided to pursue their passion for riding and the great outdoors. The couple joined hands and opened Bill's Cycle Village, the first of many businesses In Altus. They were active in motorcycle clubs and the community. Gloria and Bill traveled thousands of miles around the country with their cycle friends. On occurrence, you would catch Gloria on her own cycle. In fact, at 50 years old she drove to Dallas on her very own Yamaha 650 Special!
With Gloria's love of homes, she decided to pursue real estate. She earned her license in 1996. She was a top performer and earned numerous awards. In six short years, she built a business, a solid reputation and fulfilled the needs and dreams of her clients. Her final profession was probably the most important and the most fulfilling. She joined Alga Hitchcock and worked in the Prayer Room at First Baptist Church. Mom realized her true purpose. She was a servant of God.
Gloria's success is due to the work ethics that were planted by a farming family, her parents and her faith in God. She embraced every role with honesty, determination and a passion for life.
Gloria was diagnosed with Aphasia during her tenure at First Baptist Church. She was terrified with the prognosis but she faced it with courage, tenacity, and humility. As her disease progressed she learned to communicate with smiles and love. Even in her darkest times she would nurture other residents, develop bonding relationships with caregivers and friends and face each day with a smile. During her illness, she met a lifelong friend, Thesy Sisco. They were inseparable.
Gloria joined the Lord and her husband on November 8 after suffering 10 long years with Aphasia and Dementia.
Gloria is survived by three children, Debra Leflett Ebel, & Richard Ebel, Arlington TX; Terri Leflett Speer and Doug Speer, Altus OK; and Scott Leflett and Tammy Leflett, Murphy Texas. She has seven grandchildren: Brandon Ebel, Brody Ebel, Jared Speer, Kaylee Speer, Reagan Leflett, Parker Leflett, and Reid Leflett. Gloria has five great-grandchildren: Blake Ebel, Audrey Ebel, Samantha Ebel, Rowen Ebel, and Pippa Speer. Gloria loves every one of them with all of her heart.
Gloria was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill W. Leflett and her parents Kaye and Landus Blackburn.
Friends and family will always remember Gloria as a loving mother, dedicated friend, and servant of God. She was known for her gentle soul and memorable smile. She loved to make you laugh. She will be missed by all.
Gloria is a long-standing member of the First Baptist Church friends and family are invited to celebrate Gloria's life.
The Leflett family will receive friends on Friday, November 15 from 4 - 6 p.m. at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home in Altus Oklahoma.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, November 16 at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church. Doug Altom will be officiating the ceremony. Services are under the direction of Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Gloria Kay Leflett, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
15
Nov
4:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Funeral Home
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Funeral
Saturday
16
Nov
10:30 AM
First Baptist Church of Altus
300 North Main Street
Altus, OK 73521
Interment
Saturday
16
Nov
Hobart Rose Cemetery
Hobart, OK
Hobart, OK 73651
Thank you for sharing your
memory of Gloria
Provide comfort for the family by sending flowers or planting a tree in memory of Gloria Kay Leflett.
Send Flowers
Loading...