Gloria W. Burleson

Mom was always my biggest cheerleader. No matter what I was interested in, she was always enthusiastic and encouraging. One of her favorite sayings was 'everything is temporary' and her voice speaking those comforting words have reached me many times. She was a wonderful mother, and told me when I was very young that I was lovable just for being born and that true beauty comes from the inside. She was beautiful, inside and out. Godspeed Mom, until we meet again ... I am comforted knowing you are now with Emily, Onie and Blanche. What a reunion!

I love you Grandma. I always have. I am glad to know how happy you are now. :-)

Mom loved each of her children dearly and ensured that each of her daughters knew the importance of staying healthy through proper diet and excercise. Her passion for dancing, gardening, playing bridge and teaching senior aeorbic classes was inspiring. I am comforted by the fact that she is much happier now and is no longer bound by earthly physical infirmites.

Dear Mom, I am joyful in the knowledge that you are happily reunited with loved ones that have gone before you without the confines of your physical and emotional limitations. I will always remember the special times we shared playing jacks on the floor and digging in the dirt under the kitchen window. When I spend time in my garden, I often think of you and how I wish I could share the beauty of the flowers and birds with you again. Thank you for teaching me the importance of appreciating the little things in life and to remember to take care of myself. Thank you for teaching me good nutrition,compassion and for being my mom. Rejoice in the Lord and your time to finally exist without pain, fear, regret or sorrow. Give my Aunts and Uncles, Nancy, Travis and Dad a big hug for me and I love you and miss you until we meet again!

Thank you, Mom, for always being my greatest fan. I guess the real beauty in all this is the peace we are blessed with in just knowing you are at home with two of your greatest fans – our sweet Aunt Onie and beloved Aunt Blanche. You showed my sisters, cousins, myself and others what true unconditional love really is. We love you, Mom.

I didn't know her well but I know Maralise. We trained horses together. I do know that her Mom raised a fantastic woman. Maralise is a woman of morals, confidence and high standards. She always took pride in herself in anything she did. She always told me the truth even if it hurt which I really appreciated. She is fiercely independent!She has ALWAYS been a good friend. Her mom did well raising a woman like this all by herself! In the day and age she did this as a single Mom, it was unheard of. She must have been fiercely independent herself, strong, self confident and full of love! This kind of women is few and far between and she set the bar high for the rest of us. Godspeed Gloria Burleson and thank you for raising someone with the characteristics that Maralise possesses.

I met Gloria twice on my one and only visit to Houston a few years ago and have talked with her on the phone through out the years when Maralise would phone her for holidays and birthdays and such. I know her through some wonderful stories that Maralise has shared with me over the years. I know her as a creative woman that chose her own beliefs in her lifetime and gave the respect to others to have their beliefs. I know her as a woman whose children were deeply devoted to her and loved her. I know that she raised a very fine, loving family and that I met a woman with grace in her later years. It was a pleasure and a honor and also a wonderful surprise that brings a smile to know that I grew up with the same coffee table that Maralise did. I smile as I think of her reunited with her loved ones that went before and that now she can truly dance. Happy Trails Gloria and my sincerest wishes for peace and love for you and your family. Woody Bell, Boulder Creek Calif.