It is with profound sadness that the family of Gloria Fitzgerald Barbour announce her peaceful passing on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Born on December 18, 1949, in Petersburg, Virginia, Gloria was the beloved daughter of the late George Fitzgerald and Jean Pettiford. Her stepfather, the late Colonel "Gus" Pettiford, was also a steady and supportive presence in her life.

A lifelong resident of Petersburg, Gloria grew up surrounded by family, community, and faith. She proudly graduated from Peabody High School, Class of 1968, carrying that pride throughout her life. After graduation, she attended John Tyler Community College before beginning her career at Allied, where she built lifelong friendships and a foundation for her future.

It was during her early years at Allied that she met Bayton "Bobby" Barbour, Jr. They married and shared 32 years before his passing. Together, they raised their family with love, structure, and deep commitment.

Gloria lived with a gentle spirit and a quiet, steady strength that touched everyone who knew her. She was a woman of deep faith and devoted more than 50 years to Mount Olivet Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as an Usher. Her warm smile and gracious presence welcomed countless members and visitors over the years.

Family was the center of Gloria's heart. She devoted herself to caring for her loved ones, especially her grandchildren and her mother, until her health began to decline. For many years, she made it a priority to take annual family vacations, creating cherished memories until her children graduated from high school.

Gloria enjoyed traveling, watching Westerns, and cheering for her favorite athlete, LeBron James. She also found tremendous joy in bowling and was an active member of her league, traveling to several states to compete. Her bowling sisters, Florence Graves, Doris Anderson, Grace Threatt, and Shirley Cox held a special place in her heart.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Bayton "Bobby" Barbour, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving children, Aliza "Love" Barbour and Bayton "Alec" Barbour III (Sherell); beloved grandchildren, Briahna, Justin, Christian, and Bayton IV; adored great grandchildren, Roman, Jalen, Naiomi, and Azir; brother, Jimmy Walston (Debbie); sisters-in-law, Hallie Barbour, Margie Barbour and Virginia Chevies; cherished friends, Florence Graves and Barbara Jones; and loving cousins, Barbara Vick (William), and Gloria Felder; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and loving family and friends.

A graveside service will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery, 750 Page Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Edward L. Fox III, eulogist.

A family and friends visitation will be held from 7:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Friday, December 5, 2025, at the funeral establishment.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.