Obituary of Gloria Winnie McNeary

Gloria Winnie (Moore) McNeary, 74, of Cassopolis, gracefully passed away at Lakeland Hospital of St. Joseph, Michigan, on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

On March 24, 1948, Gloria was born in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Robert and Minnie (Thomas) Moore.

Gloria was a teacher by trade and a caregiver by heart, an example of what it meant to be a caring, loving, thoughtful person. She was a strong woman who embraced the challenges in life and then taught others how to overcome the trials and tribulations that she faced. In every situation, Gloria put her faith and her family before anything else. She was a mentor, a caregiver, a mother, and a leader, always putting others before herself. She had a firm understanding of adults but knew more than anyone how to send children on the right path in life. She taught many grade levels at Cassopolis and the Benton Harbor school districts, teaching kindergarten all the way to college. She gave a piece of her heart to each and every one of her students throughout the many years of her career. Learning was made fun, her bright spirit brought the best out in each of her students, including those who struggled. Her special connection meant so much to so many students that many of them would come and visit her in her classroom after they had gone off to college. Her favorite quotes to her students were “ignorance is bliss” and “the only stupid question is the one not asked.” Her motherly presence left a lifelong impact on everyone she surrounded herself with.  To nobody’s surprise, if her son, nieces, or nephews were misbehaving in class, they were having a long ride back to her house after school. Gloria knew what her family members were capable of and did her best to keep everyone accountable. From the time she was born, she had all the qualities of a great leader. She took pride in her role within the community and did her best to get involved with as many groups and clubs as time allowed. She was a choir director, an assistant superintendent at church, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, joined the Free Will Ladies and played a huge role in the Cosmopolitan Club. She enjoyed traveling and the Free Will Ladies allowed her to explore and find new adventures all over the country. Her work in the Cosmopolitan Club awarded scholarships to many eager, hardworking students who were deserving of the funds. Gloria McNeary impacted her family, her friends, and her community. Her presence will be sorely missed but her memory will be cherished and talked about for years to come. Very few leave a lasting legacy as Gloria has.

Those welcoming Gloria to her eternal home include her parents, Robert and Minnie (Thomas) Moore; siblings, Berniece Moore and Michael Moore; nephew, Marcus Moore; as well as many loved ones and friends throughout her life.

She is survived by her loving son, Bryan McNeary; siblings Herman and Marilyn Moore; five nieces and nephews, twenty great nieces and nephews, and three great-great nieces; as well as many students that she was able to influence over the years.

Following Gloria’s wishes, a funeral ceremony will take place at the Chain Lake Missionary Baptist Church in Cassopolis on Saturday, October 22, 2022. Public visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. and will end as the service begins at 12:00 noon. Burial will take place at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the National MS Society or Cassopolis Public School District.