Gloria Morris Ashford was born October 11, 1930, in Los Angeles, California. Gloria grew up in Annapolis, MD where she attended the Anne
Arundel Public School System and graduated. She went on to earn a degree in nursing. Gloria met and married Willis West, Jr., and to that union four sons were born. She later met and married Benjamin Ashford and moved to Dallas, TX.
One daughter was born of that union. Gloria retired from the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, in Dallas, TX, where she gave more than 20 years of service as a nurse. During that time, she also served as a loyal and committed union representative. Gloria was a beacon of light who touched the lives of all who knew her, with that beautiful smile and caring demeanor.
She will be sorely missed. Gloria was preceded in death by her Parents: Samuel J. and Evelyn Morris; Son: Larry Morris West; Sister: Eleanor Louise Franklin; Grandsons: Remarcus Larry West and Kevin K’Tari West. Gloria leaves to mourn: Three children: Willis Kevin West (Barbara), The Honorable Texas State Senator Royce Barry West (Carol), and Zina Yvetté Ashford. 13 Grandchildren: Shaniqua West, Sammiel West, Brett Manning (Vivianne), Houston, Stephond West (Sharia), Tara West Franklin (Derrick), Royce Barry West II, Rolando West (Heather), Roddrick West, Brandon West, Sessalli Obasuyi, Fatai Obasuyi, II, Simone Obasuyi and Siara Obasuyi, 11 Great-Grandchildren: Autavia West, Natashia West, T’ria Hurd, Stephond West II, Tiara Franklin, Royce West III, Ryan West, Riley West, Rose West, Roman West, Remington West, Brett Manning, Jr. 8 Great-Great-Grandchildren: Kaden, Kimora, Kameron, Giovanni, Gianna, Genesis, Nehemiah and Ni’Ari. Special Girlfriends: Marie Young and Mildred West. Along with a host of relatives and friends.