Gloria Maria Gonzalez, 92, of Blythewood, died Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on June 24, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Castula Santiago and Juan Morales.

She had a diploma in Nursing, in which she passionately and faithfully served as a nurse for 60 years. She was a phenomenal wife, mother, and grandmother; very hospitable and always enjoyed cooking for her family. She was a devout Catholic, a spitfire, and despite her small stature, she was a giant with the heart of a warrior. Her most defining quality was the love for her husband of 57 years and her large family. She will be missed immensely.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Gonzalez; sisters, Mercedes Morales and Rosa Morales; brothers, Raul Morales and Luis Morales; son-in-law Marvin Williams.

She is survived by her children, Gerardine Williams, Lisa Deas (Keith) of Georgia, Michelle Brantley (Todd), Anthony Gonzalez (Reni), and Madeline Shoaf (Donald), all of South Carolina; 20 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Gonzalez will be held at 12 o'clock noon on Friday, November 3rd, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia. The Rev. Fr. C. Alexander McDonald will be officiating. Final Commendation and Farewell Prayers will be said following the service at Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 1 o'clock. A rosary will be recited at 4:30 o'clock Thursday evening, with a visitation to follow until 7 o'clock, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John Neumann Catholic Church or the ASPCA, 424 E. 92nd St, New York, NY 10128-6804.

A livestream of the services may be seen by visiting her tribute page at ShivesFuneralHome.com.