July 14, 1949  –  April 4, 2025

Gloria “Glo” Belle Eaker Bennett of New Albany, MS, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, April 4, 2025. Gloria was the daughter of Vanna Lou Bell and Broadus Reginald Eaker. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Michael Bennett; and four sisters, Wanda Henderson, Wava Rakestraw, Kaye Hall, and Linda Womack. She is survived by her husband, Mike; a daughter, D’Anna Bennett White (Brock) of Madison, MS; two sons, Jonathan Bennett (Elizabeth) of Fort Worth, TX and Matthew Bennett (Christene) of Mesa, AZ; a daughter-in-law, Jill Bennett (Michael) of Dumas, MS; two brothers, Jimmy Eaker (Joyce) of New Albany and Larry Eaker of Tupelo, MS; 9 grandchildren (Nolan, Judd, Sophie, River, Rainey, Charlotte, Emily, Amelia, and Ethan); and three great grandchildren (Gus, Deni, and Bea).

Gloria graduated from Ingomar High School in 1967. She was a member of the basketball team and participated in two State Tournaments (1965 and 1967). She was voted Most Likely to Succeed and Most Ambitious. She was selected by the faculty to deliver the class address at graduation. She attended Northeast Mississippi Junior College for two years and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Education in 1971 at Delta State College. She later earned a Master’s degree in Library Science and an Advanced Master’s degree in Educational Media at the University of Mississippi. Gloria began teaching at West Union Attendance Center in Union County, MS, in August 1971 and taught there until May 2005. She retired after thirty-four years at West Union.

Gloria was a member of First Baptist Church, New Albany, MS, where she attended Sarah Cook’s Sunday School class and served in various positions including 4th grade Sunday School teacher, librarian, WMU prayer chairman, and various committees. Clubs and organizations she was a member of included Ishtehotopah Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution; the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 72; United Daughters of the Confederacy; and the Jamestowne Society.

Pallbearers include her nephews and grandsons. Honorary pallbearers include the members of Sarah Cook’s Sunday School Class and The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 72.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church New Albany with service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Ingomar Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Acts 1:8 Missions at First Baptist Church.

United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.