Gloria Elizabeth Ferguson was born on September 2, 1935, in Norfolk, Virginia, the eldest child of 12 children born to James and Sarah Freeman. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. This was also where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Leslie Upton, and was married until his death in 1979. Gloria was later married to John Ferguson until his death in 1998. It was at a very young age that Gloria discovered her passion for sewing and took pleasure in a career as a seamstress/alterationist for many years. In the prime of her sewing days, Gloria sewed robes for her Pastor and the church choir, as well as many wedding gowns. When she sewed her own garments (which she often did), there was always a cute little hat to match (which she also sewed).
Gloria may have been a short little Lady, but she could be a feisty little Lady when necessary, saying and doing exactly what needed to be said and done. Gloria loved to laugh and bring laughter to others. Even in her latter days, she would say something so funny, her daughters would burst out in laughter. Gloria was a pillar of strength, faith, joy, and unconditional love to her family. She set an example of what true love was. The greatest pleasure in her life was serving God and sharing Jesus with everyone she met. Gloria was a member of First Pentecostal UHC, under the leadership of Bishop A. Ray Rouson. She was a devout prayer warrior and committed to a prayer band that met regularly to intercede for others. Her faith in God brought her through so many of life’s challenges, giving her the continued strength to “praise the Lord.” Gloria joyfully chose to answer every phone call she received with a bright and cheerful “PRAISE THE LORD!” If you didn’t hear that cheerful “ Praise the Lord,” you dialed the wrong number.
Gloria is preceded in death by two spouses, Leslie Upton and John Ferguson, one son, Travis, and 6 siblings: Emily, Ellen, Baby Boy Freeman, Lucille, Jannetta, and James.
To cherish her Memory and the love she gave, Gloria leaves behind six loving daughters and their beloved spouses: Arnetta (Gerald “Pete”) Taylor; Carlyne (Gerald) Brown; Arlyne (William “Billy”) Watts; Phyllis (Gregory “Gregg”) Harper; Laredia ”Lala” (Eric “Freddy”) Johnson; Chirelle (Glenn) Jones; three sisters, Vivian, Doris, Mary; two brothers, Clarence and Alvin. Memories will also be cherished by her 18 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, family, and friends whom she wholeheartedly loved.
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
Condolences(12)-
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Tenasia says
June 27, 2025 at 12:13 pmI love you forever Big Ma ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Michele Ridgeway says
June 28, 2025 at 10:17 amDearest auntie (cousin) Gloria, thank you so much for loving me, taking care of me and providing good counsel. You took me to my first Pentecostal church service and I am a member of a Pentecostal church today because of you. I know God is saying “well done daughter.” Love you always💞
Patricia Brazell says
July 3, 2025 at 6:39 pmI remember Sister Ferguson from First Pentecostal UHC. She was always such a beautiful and faithful lady. I remember her daughter with the beautiful smile. May God give you much comfort in knowing the lives she touched in always a Christian and positive way.
May you find comfort in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.
Sincerely
Patricia Brazell
Jennifer Watts says
July 4, 2025 at 12:54 pmWhat an incredible lady. So strong and adventurous. I admired her so much. Love you Big Ma rest in paradise. Jennifer Chloe and Owen
Shirley Simmons says
July 5, 2025 at 10:02 amMother Ferguson was Giant
In the Kingdom of God, Loved and compassion, I will always remember her words of wisdom!!! She will be missed
My condolences and prayers to her family
Alicia Wallace Stanley says
July 5, 2025 at 7:46 pmMuch love and condolences to my sister in-law(Carlyne) and the entire family. May God continue to keep and bless you through this challenging time but know that God is always able and he will give you the strength you need as you step through everyday in the future. God bless all of you. From, Alicia “Lisa” Wallace Stanley and family–Columbia, South Carolina
Denise A. Leader says
July 6, 2025 at 12:46 pmArlene
Much Peace and Comfort to you and your family.
Denise, Claudia, Jay
Leader
Shirley Simmons says
July 7, 2025 at 11:44 amOur prayers and condolences to the family, Mother Ferguson
the presence of God manifested in her life, teaching and preaching the Word of God!!! Well done thy good and faithful servant!
Take your rest mother!!!
Sharon Thibodeaux says
July 7, 2025 at 12:28 pmOur heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to the hosts of family and friends.
I loved Mother Gloria Ferguson. She was indeed the sweetest, kind-hearted yet powerful prayer warrior, dynamic teacher of the Word of God and a Faithful Soldier in the Army of the Lord. You going by a good fight, now is laid up for you a Crown of righteousness.
Well done thy good and faithful servant, Well Done
Take your rest Mother
Sharon, Troy, Samuel, Trinity Thibodeaux
Chloe Mary Arlyne Watts says
July 7, 2025 at 1:49 pmI remember when I was little, we had a family reunion in Virginia, i found out Big Ma’s favourite colour is purple, and I was so overjoyed because it is my favourite as well!
I always thought our shared love of purple kept us connected.
She is a beautiful and strong lady, may she rest peacefully.
I love you forever and always, Big Ma.
Owen says
July 7, 2025 at 2:21 pmRest in peace, love Owen ❤️
Lyn Leader says
July 8, 2025 at 8:51 pmDear Arlyne, family, and friends of Mother Ferguson, please accept our condolences, and as you navigate these challenging times with faith, may our Heavenly Father guide and support you all each step of the way. Lyn, Karen, Cheryl, Noel, Tyrone Leader