11-13-1935 – 02-16-2025
Submitted by The Family of Gloria Jackson
Gloria Gwendolyn Barr Jackson was the fourth oldest of fourteen children, born to proud parents Raymond Barr, Sr. and Maybelle Corine Barr on November 13, 1935, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Gloria caught the eye of Luther Davis Jackson, Sr., and they were married in 1960. From this union, two bouncing baby boys were born: Rodney Lyn Jackson, Sr. (Deceased) and Luther Davis Jackson, Jr.
Gloria participated in the local public school system as a youth, attending the renown Dillard High School. Excelling academically, she became Valedictorian for the Class of 1958. After graduation, she ventured onward to the highest hills in Tallahassee to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Guidance & Counseling, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Administration & Supervision.
Gloria made an impact on her community as a political activist. In fact, she served as an Elector in the Electoral College for the State of Florida. She was the first and only female African American to serve as Chairperson of the Democratic Party of Broward County. She was a Deputy Registrar for the Supervisor of Elections Office for many years. She served as a Delegate to more than seven State of Florida Democratic Conventions as well as serving on Florida’s Democratic Party Rules and Affirmative Action Committees. Additionally, Gloria coordinated many presidential, gubernatorial, and local elections.
Gloria was a faithful member of Mount Hermon AME Church, Fort Lauderdale, where she formally served in such capacities as a Steward, Sunday School Teacher, Bible School Director, Calendar Club Leader and a member of the Hospitality Committee.
Gloria Jackson was a life Member of both Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. and the NAACP. She also was a member of the Pride of Fort Lauderdale Elks Temple 395.
Formally, Gloria served on the OIC Board of Directors, Urban League Board of Directors, Early Childhood Board of Directors, Action Women’s Club, League of Women Voters, Broward Federal Savings and Loan Association Board of Directors, Kids Voting Board of Directors, YMCA Board of Directors, FAMU Alumni Association, and Phi Delta Kappa
Gloria has received awards and recognition from the following: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Community Service, Mount Hermon AME Church Calendar Club and Community Service, 100 Black Men Community Service, Broward Operation PUSH Community and Political Service, Family Health Plan Political, Charmettes, Inc. Community Service, Eta Phi Beta Sorority Community Service, National Association of Floridians Club, Inc. Community Service, H. Phillip Randolph Political Service, Venus Club Service and Leadership, Central Broward Democratic Club Political Service, Lay Community Service, and plethora more…
Gloria transitioned from her earthly home to her eternal home on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Gloria had 18 siblings, and was preceded in death by Raymond Barr, Jr., Samuel E. Barr, Sarah Barr Rucker, Richard Barr, Barbara Smith, Chester Barr, Sr., Nathaniel Barr, Debra Dassau, Anthony Barr, Reuben Bryant, Joy Barr (Sister-in-Love), Harriet Barr (Sister-in-Love), Luther Jackson, Sr.
Gloria leaves to mourn, one son, Luther Jackson (Sandra), and two grandsons, Donovan Scott Jackson and Rodney Lyn Jackson, Jr. She leaves two brothers, William Barr and Jerome Allen. She also leaves three sisters-in-love, Beatrice Barr, Beverly Barr and Essie Barr. Of course, there are a host of Nephews, Nieces, cousins and friends that are left with fond memories to cherish.
