Gloria Ruth Holness Smythe

Gloria Ruth Holness Smythe began her eternal rest on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 in New Jersey, following a brief illness. She was surrounded by loved ones while listening to mass, having received the end-of-life sacrament.

The eldest of Belville and Marcela Holness' six children, Gloria was born on March 12, 1932 on the Canal Zone in the Republic of Panama. She attended elementary school in Red Tank and Gamboa and was part of the 1950 graduating class of La Boca Occupational High School, where she worked for Mr. Aston Parchment organizing athletic programs for the Canal Zone schools and modeled for Pacific Evergreen Club Fashion shows. She also served as Secretary of Theodore Presser Music Club (a choir of young adults) and sang soprano solos on local radio stations, at social events, as well as in Emily Butcher's Glee Club.

Following her graduation from La Boca Junior College in 1952 with an Associate of Arts Degree in Teaching. Gloria taught elementary school in Red Tank and Paraiso for seven years. Her exceptional teaching skills earned her the honor of demonstrating a lesson for the visiting United States Second Lady, Pat Nixon.

Gloria married Daniel Smythe at Our Lady of Good Council Catholic Church in Gamboa on Easter Sunday 1955. From that union, Dahlia, Karen, and Kyle were born. Gloria immigrated to the United States and was able to send for her family shortly thereafter. They resided in the Philadelphia area, where daughter Julie was later born.

Gloria continued her education while teaching in Camden, New Jersey, graduating in 1964 from St. Joseph University with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Philosophy. She simultaneously pursued her teaching career in Philadelphia Catholic schools and the Camden New Jersey Bilingual Program; and trained and mentored aspiring teachers for Rutgers University in New Jersey while caring for her family. As a bilingual teacher, Gloria taught elementary school students, specifically children from migrant worker families, across all subjects, including music and art in both English and Spanish. Gloria retired in 1994 after a 45 year teaching career.

Inspired by the shared faith with her mother, Marcela, Gloria was a practicing Catholic who prayed daily for her family and the families of the children and communities she served with dedication.

Gloria was preceded in death by parents Belville and Marcela Holness; sisters Joyce Findlay and Marian Gault; brothers Libdo "Pinky" Holness Moreno and Roy Holness; and brothers-in-law George Findlay and Roy Bryce LaPorte.

Gloria is remembered by her siblings Robert Holness, Yolanda Clark (Preston), and Rita "Julie" Castillo (Pedro). Her legacy is carried forward by her children, Dahlia (Dennis Matthews), Karen (Milton Gaylord), Kyle (Leticia McKenzie-Smythe), and Julie (Peter Mason); grandchildren: Kari Coley (Victor Brown), Adrienne Pritchett (Howard), Aaryn Coley-Gooden, Julius Smythe (Danielle), Aisha Matthews, Jada McMillan, and Jason McMillan; and great-grandchildren Amara, Javon, Elijah, Justus, Devin, Matthew, Kai, Nicolas, Donovan, Ace, Taela, and Isabella.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing Monday August 4, 2025 from 11:00am - 12:15pm at the Marinella Funeral Home 102 N Third St. Hammonton, NJ 08037. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish - St. Joseph Church, Third and French Streets at 12:30pm. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 248 S. First Rd. Hammonton, NJ 08037.