GLORIA RILEY CREEL

Gloria Riley Creel, aged 98, of Hueytown, Alabama, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 12, 2026. Gloria was born on January 29, 1928, in Headland, Alabama. She remained proud of her Wiregrass roots throughout her life and loved sharing stories of growing up in a small town. She graduated as Valedictorian of the Headland High School class of 1946 and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Alabama. She continued her education through graduate coursework and remained a lifelong learner. Gloria married Jimmy Creel on September 2, 1948, in Headland, Alabama. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and the Crimson Tide. Because Jimmy played baseball for Alabama, Gloria became a devoted supporter of University athletics. Through the years they traveled countless miles attending all home and away Alabama football games, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer on the Tide. Gloria devoted much of her professional life to education, teaching science and biology at Fairfield High School, Pittman Junior High School and Hueytown High School. She took great joy in watching generations of former students grow up and build families of their own. She loved nature and spent several summers serving as "Mother Nature" at Camp Winnataska, creating memories that generations of campers would treasure. A woman of deep faith, Gloria was a longtime member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, where she faithfully served through WMU, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and later through visitation ministry to homebound members. Her faith was the foundation of her life and guided her love and service to others. She also invested in her community through organizations including the Hueytown Study Club, Amity Club, and Garden Club. Gloria found joy in many places she loved. For decades, she and Jimmy shared a family tradition of dining at The Bright Star, a restaurant that had been part of the Creel’s lives for generations. After Jimmy's death Gloria continued the tradition, gathering every Friday with dear friends. One of Gloria's happiest places was Talley Ho, her family home in Highlands, North Carolina. There she welcomed family and friends and enjoyed the beauty of the mountains she loved so much. Golf was another lifelong passion of Gloria’s. She played regularly at Woodward Golf Course and especially enjoyed golfing in the cool mountain air of Highlands at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. More than any accomplishment or activity, Gloria's life was defined by her love—for God, for her family, for her friends, and for the countless people whose lives she touched. She possessed a remarkable gift for maintaining lifelong friendships and making everyone around her feel welcome and valued. In her final years, Gloria often spoke of Heaven and her longing to be with Jesus. Today, we take comfort in knowing she has been reunited with Jimmy, her family, and the many friends who went before her. Though she will be deeply missed, we rejoice in the promise that we will see her again. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Beth Hosmer and ProHealth Home Health and Hospice; and especially to Gloria’s sitters, Kathy Townes, Janice Bagley, and Tessa Shultz for their compassionate care; to neighbors Dale and Judy Byrum and Cynthia Brooks for their kindness, support, and friendship in helping care for Gloria in her later years. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Leo Riley and Nona Murelle Harmon Riley; her beloved husband of 68 years, James Arthur "Jimmy" Creel; and many other cherished relatives and lifelong friends. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Hart Terry (Bob); Hart grandchildren, Jennifer Wendorf and Taylor Hart (Jen); great-grandchildren, Fritz Wendorf, Rory Hart, and Ellis Hart; her brother, Harmon Leo Riley (Mary Anne); nieces and nephews, Shirley Pugh (Ben), Beth Talbert (Billy), Lee Riley (Kristen), and Ben Riley (Frances); Terry grandchildren, Jean Terry Roberson (Darin) and Brent Terry (Lee Ann) and their children, Kassidi Bowen (Landon), Jessica Hayes (Spencer), Jamey Terry; Drayton Cullen (Melanie) and their daughter Verity; and many other relatives and dear friends from Hueytown and Headland. Visitation and a Celebration of Life will be held at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church on Friday, June 19, 2026. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by the service at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church through the church website in Gloria's honor.

GLORIA RILEY CREEL

January 29, 1928 - June 12, 2026