Gloria Watley was born November 25, 1945 in Cameron, SC.  She was one of 14 children born to Angie Kennedy.

Gloria excelled in athletics, becoming a two-sport athlete at Orangeburg Wilkinson High School, where she was also voted "Ms. Congeniality".

Gloria was introduced to Alonzo Watley in Washington D.C. by her sister Dorothy. The two married in 1973 and moved to Tuscon, AZ. There, Gloria was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness in 1976.

In 1991 she made the commitment to become a full time Pioneer, dedicating herself to Bible education, and helping countless ones to become students of the Bible. Her career as a full time minister spanned almost 30 years.

Gloria never gave up on her preaching work despite many obstacles. She was known for her zeal, her compassion, her love for Jehovah God, and her courage to speak what was on her mind!

Gloria is survived by her two daughters, Kimberly Corbin and Tamara (Bobby) McKeithan, both of Columbia, SC and one son, Alex (Kelsey) Watley of Sterling, VA, as well as three grandsons, Dwayne, Jaxon, and Lochlan, and a host of family, extended loved ones, and spiritual brothers and sisters.