Gloria Washington

Gloria Jean (Woods) Washington entered this world August 25, 1953, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Burldine Potts of Bixby.

Raised and educated in Bixby, Gloria graduated with the Class of 1971. While in school, she excelled in her Spanish class and was able to participate in a class trip to Old Mexico. She was also active in school choir and will be remembered for her beautiful Soprano voice, often compared to that of a Barbara Streisand. Upon graduation, Gloria briefly attended Northeastern State College in Tahlequah.

On June 9, 1972, Gloria gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Andrea Spiller. Shortly thereafter, the Woods family relocated to Greely, Colorado. Spending a few years there, Gloria enjoyed making new friends and taking trips to the mountain.

Gloria married Joseph Washington, Jr. on August 8, 1988. Together, they enjoyed many adventures. This included attending college and obtaining their horticultural degrees. During their time together, Tenkiller Lake became home to the couple. There, Joe was an avid fisherman and Gloria enjoyed lake living: a laid back and carefree lifestyle. Gloria and Joe would eventually divorce in 2018 after a 30-year marriage.

Working a variety of positions throughout her life, Gloria’s final employment was with Fin and Feather Resort. There, she enjoyed a close relationship with her co-workers and employers. It is certain that these feelings were reciprocated as Gloria will be remembered, from her time and contributions there, as “mom”.

Known for living her life on her own terms, Gloria set her own path, in life, even if it was not always met with approval. She continued to persevere and enjoyed living life with those she chose to share it with.

Gloria passed away May 2, 2022, in Tulsa. She was 68. She was preceded in death by her adoptive father, Jerry Delane Woods, and ex-husband of thirty years, Joseph Washington, Jr.

Being remembered as kind, loving and empathetic, Gloria will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by: her mother, Burldine Woods of Bixby; daughter, Andrea Spiller of Lawton; son, Joseph Washington, III of Tulsa; sisters: Laura Woods and her wife, Deb, of Sapulpa, and Diane Ridgeway and her husband, Ronnie, of Coweta; grandchildren: Sarah Marie, Jessica, and Austin all of Lawton; five great grandchildren; and a niece, Nikiyia Gordineer. She is also survived by a host of other relatives and numerous friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gloria Washington, please visit our floral store.