Obituary of Gloria Maxine Colbert

Gloria Maxine Colbert was born on October 8, 1949, in Warrenton County, North Carolina, to the late David and Beaufort Manley. She was the sixth child of ten children. Gloria was preceded in death by three of her siblings, Mary, Herbert, and Woodrow. She departed this life early Wednesday morning, on January 22, 2020, at Manassas Rehabilitation Center. Gloria confessed Christ at an early age and united with the Odell Baptist Church in Littleton, North Carolina. After relocating to Washington, DC she joined Second New Saint Paul Baptist Church.

 Gloria attended Hawkins High School in Warrenton, North Carolina. Soon after, Gloria along with family moved to Washington, DC in the late sixties. She worked at the Safeway Supermarket. Later Gloria was united in marriage to Walter Colbert (Divorced), a soldier in the U.S. Army. During his military tenure, Walter was stationed in Hawaii, where they lived for two years. It was one of the happiest times of her life and she cherished her time there. Afterwards, she lived between the Washington Metropolitan area and Warrenton, North Carolina for several years. Gloria was the proud mother of a charismatic and loving daughter, Gloria LaVonne Manley (Boo), who was adored by her family and friends.

Gloria Maxine Colbert, also fondly referred to as “Max” was a strong jubilant woman. Although she experienced some challenges in life, she was resilient and nothing held her back from being the loving, free-willed person that we all knew and cared for. Gloria loved her family and friends very much. She particularly enjoyed family cookouts and having a good time. The saddest moment of her life was the loss of her only child, Gloria LaVonne Manley (Boo). Gloria loved to have a good time. She also loved to dance and listen to music especially from her favorite group “The Manhattans.” Even during her last days she requested to hear music while singing and dancing in bed.

Gloria maintained a deep belief in God and often called the prayer lines requesting prayer for not only herself but for her family and friends. Over the years she developed a special bond with three of her first cousins (Reevaughan, Ruth and Geraldine) who were always there for her. Gloria was also known for her sharp fashion and love for fancy jewelry.

She leaves to cherish her memory four sisters, Daisy Lynch, Katie Davis, Celestine Alston, and Linda Manley; two brothers, David Manley, Jr. and Alvesta Manley; one sister-in-law, Caroline Colbert; two brother-in-laws, Jay Davis and Joseph Lynch; 17 nieces and nephews; 27 great nieces and nephews, six great great nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends