Gloria Diane Hudson Barnard, of Florence, passed away February 06, 2025. She was born June 28, 1932, to Clarence Willard Hudson and Edna Isabel Williams Hudson in Luverne, Crenshaw County, AL. She loved sharing stories of growing up with family near and adventures playing, climbing trees, and floating flower fairies in the creek, and picking on her little brother. Gloria was an accomplished pianist, taking lessons most of her growing up years, voice as well.
It is hard to think about our mother without her love of all music, singing in the Trinity Methodist choir in Huntsville, her love of all animals and her undeniable passion for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Gloria graduated as a Registered Nurse from Jefferson Hillman School of Nursing, Birmingham, AL. She married Bill Sorrell Barnard, April 18, 1954. Bill and Gloria have three children, Jane Barnard Zeff (Howard), Florence, Adella Diane Barnard (Augusta, GA) and David Sorrell Barnard, Florence, AL; one precious granddaughter, Elizabeth Barber Webb (Rob), Franklin, TN, two great-grandsons, Gabriel Charles and Graham Joseph Maddox, Franklin, TN.
After graduating from nursing school and marrying Bill, Gloria began her nursing career in Huntsville, AL taking a hiatus to raise her children, returning to nursing when children were older in Huntsville, then Florence, AL and retiring from Humana-Florence (Colonial Manor Hospital).
Preceding her in death were her parents and husband of 53 years. She is survived by her children, her brother William Franklin Hudson (Betty), Leeds, AL and a host of cousins.
A graveside service, for the family, was held Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in Greenview Memorial Park, Florence, AL.
Family and friends served as pallbearers; Pastor Kevin Johnson led the service.
No flowers, but please consider a donation in Mom’s name to the local Salvation Army or the Lauderdale County Animal Shelter, Florence.
