Gloria Anycia Hawkins Birdsong, 76, of Birmingham, Alabama, and formerly of Valdosta, Georgia, went to be with the Lord on February 17, 2017.
Born and raised in Gaston, North Carolina, she graduated as valedictorian and then attended Petersburg General Hospital School of Nursing in Virginia.
She modeled excellence in nursing until she retired after almost 37 years of dedicated service from Packaging Corporation of America in Valdosta, GA.
A devoted mother and friend, she kept an open door to all who were in need of a meal or simply a listening ear.
She loved to cook, work in her flower garden and as a surprise to many, she was a gifted pianist.
However, her greatest joy was found in giving to others, especially an encouraging word or a good laugh.
Gloria is preceded in death by her father, Clifton Daniel Hawkins.
She is survived by her children, Nona Lynne Price (Connie), Charles Lucas Birdsong, and Elizabeth Birdsong Hendrix (Chip); eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Survivors also include her former husband, Charles W. Birdsong; her mother, Mary Lucas Hawkins; and her sister, Barbara Furlough (Bob); two nieces and a nephew.
A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Hockaday Funeral Services with Pastor Jeremy Kobernat officiating, 507 Hwy. 158 West, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made in Gloria’s name to Briarwood Presbyterian Church Mercy Ministry, 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, AL 35243 or South Georgia Partnership for Health, 203 Woodrow Wilson Drive, Valdosta, GA 31602.
Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.hockadayfs.com.
A memorial celebration in Birmingham, AL will be held at a later date.