Gloria J. Willams, 74, of New Bedford, died Thursday, October 31, 2019 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a long illness. She was born in Springfield, MA, the eldest daughter of late Roger and Mamie Williams. She was educated in Springfield and later went on to receive her B.S. from Franconia College.
Gloria started her career in education and workforce development having held several senior administrative positions across Massachusetts. She moved to New Bedford in 1990 and spent the last 30 years helping her community, working for several non-profit organizations during her career. She had an unmatched passion for the youth in New Bedford and helped countless youth and young adults develop critical life skills, but more importantly, she provided them hope for their future. She last served as the Program Director for YouthBuild New Bedford where she was fondly referred to as “Ms. G”.
She leaves her long-term partner, Pamela Cruz; her step-son, Dennis Cruz and his wife of Roanoke, VA; and her step-daughter, Kendra Cruz of New Bedford. She also leaves her sister Deborah Williams of New Bedford, and her brother Jeffrey Williams and his wife of Bloomfield, CT. She is also survived by four nieces, Michelle Moore of Hyattsville, MD; Jahanah Mohamed of Fall River, MA; Unique Williams of Springfield, MA and Morgan Mendes of Atlanta, GA. She also leaves five granddaughters: Kayla, Ry’Lee, Madison, Sydnei, and Brooklynn; great-nieces Jahnya, Jasmine, Adrianna and Raegan; and a great-nephew, DJ.
She was predeceased by her brother, Michael and her beloved nephew, Christopher.
Her Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park Street, New Bedford. Visiting hours will be Wednesday from 4-7 PM, prior to the service. Burial will be private. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.