GLORIA BEATRICE PEOPLES

Gloria Beatrice Peoples (nee Johnson) was born on November 24, 1931, in Pocatello, Idaho. Gloria took special pride in being the eldest daughter of Pompie Louis Johnson, Sr., and Nellie Beatrice Johnson. Being the eldest daughter was an important distinction in her place among the six Johnson children and she quietly reminded everyone of that status.

Gloria spent her childhood in Pocatello up through young adulthood. The Johnson parents instilled in their children the beauty and blessing of being friends to one another as well as siblings, and Gloria was known affectionately among her brothers and sisters as “Sis.” On a recent visit to see Gloria, her sister Nellie reminisced about the two of them, along with their sister Dorthy, hurrying through their Saturday chores then walking together, hand in hand, around the corner to the movie theater, with enough money to share popcorn and candy.

Gloria fondly remembered the Sundays spent participating in Easter and Christmas pageants at Bethel Baptist church where she accepted Christ and was baptized. Growing up in a town where there were few African Americans, Bethel was the place where she and her family were able to immerse themselves not only in their faith, but also in Black culture – Southern food, hospitality and warmth – as most of the families, like their own parents, had migrated from the South, seeking better opportunities for their children. Gloria was especially appreciative and grateful for the Christian upbringing she received from her Deacon and Deaconess parents, and the emphasis her parents placed on education.

Gloria was a pioneer in a professional capacity, and she recalled many interesting stories as she served as the first black social worker in Idaho where she was the bridge for her clients receiving aid in their homes. Looking back on those days brought a smile to her face whenever she recalled the look of shock on the faces of the families when she showed up on their doorstep and they were even more surprised when she articulately asked them questions and spoke with confidence. As a Black woman working in a predominately Mormon community, she did her job, and she did it well – no matter the reception.

Gloria was no stranger to standing out in the crowd, particularly as she pursued higher education at Idaho State University. In fact, on one occasion, she had to miss a class because of illness, and upon her return to the large lecture hall from what she thought was a short absence, the professor opened the class by saying, ‘Glad to see you rejoined us, “Miss Johnson,” calling unwanted and unnecessary attention to her presence.  She persevered and received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Idaho State University.

Gloria also was the recipient of much attention due to her beautiful hair, radiant smile and the light in her eyes that shone even in her final days. Her sister Dorthy liked to tell the story of how she brought “Sis” to church with her when she was living in Palm Springs and Gloria had to leave early. The church’s young, single pastor was mid-sermon and mid-sentence when he saw Gloria stand up and he told the congregation to “hold that thought” as he promptly ran out behind her to meet the lovely Sister Johnson!

Gloria met and fell in love with the handsome William Ransom Peoples, Sr., and moved with him to Long Beach, California. Although the marriage was short-lived, from the union, the two welcomed their beautiful son William Ransom “Randy” Peoples, Jr., born in 1959.

The Johnson family, one by one, eventually migrated to California, with Gloria and Nellie settling in Sacramento. Gloria fondly remembered the day she and her sisters along with their parents visited the historical Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. The young women had not yet decided upon a church home for their families, but the warmth with which they were greeted and the invitation to Gloria’s father, known as Deacon Johnson, to join in devotional with the Shiloh deacon board were deciding moments. Deacon Johnson told his daughters they no longer needed to look for a church home. Shiloh was where they should place their membership, and they did. Gloria served faithfully at Shiloh for decades, teaching Sunday School and Bible Study and serving on the Mother’s Board both as member and bible teacher. Years later she united with Paradise Missionary Church where she continued in service as a teacher and member of the Mother’s Board.

Gloria was born to teach and paved the way for her two younger sisters, Nellie Mae and Dorthy to enter the profession. Gloria taught and retired from the Grant Union School District, teaching and counseling at both Grant Union and Norte Del Rio Senior High Schools after 20 years of service. Gloria was an advocate and recognized for her work getting students into colleges and universities. She recalled that some of the other counselors did not believe their students had the capacity to attend college and discarded scholarship applications. She however would retrieve the applications and encouraged students to apply; many who were successful and grateful for her attention and assistance. Her work was noticed, and she was honored and given the award of Honorary Tuskegee Airman from the Sacramento Chapter. Another award she received came from the Sacramento chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at its annual scholarship banquet which several members of Gloria’s family attended including her mother to support her receiving the award. The important event was marked by the sudden and unexpected passing of her mother during the event. Gloria recalled the honor as being a crowning jewel in her career because her mother was able to witness the honoring of her daughter’s work and educational success and being surrounded by her children. Gloria also worked several years with the University of California, Davis, Admissions Office and MESA program on behalf of the underrepresented students at her school. She spoke often of how much the students meant to her and being invited into their lives.

She received many awards for her work as an educator both in the public schools as well as for Christian education, when she received ‘Teacher of the Year Award’ from the Shiloh Baptist Church, Sunday School Department. In addition, her high school class honored her with the first “Student of the Year’ award, presented to her in 2007. The presenter spoke of how although quiet, she always carried herself with ‘grace and beauty.’

In a lifetime of many achievements, Gloria said the greatest gift God granted her was her son Randy, who proceeded her in death in 2019. He was and he was truly a son his mother was proud of throughout her life. The way that Gloria managed her grief following his passing was a true testament to her strength and faith. She was not one to grieve publicly and it was obvious that she relied on God to get her through each and every day until she was no longer able to care for herself.

Gloria was reunited with her beloved son on October 23, 2024. She also was preceded in death by her parents; sister Dorthy Levels; brothers, David Johnson, Sr., P. Louis Johnson, Jr, .and Robert Johnson, Sr. She is survived by her sister Nellie Mae Chaisson (Burbank, CA); Brother-in-law Robert LeVels (Pocatello ID), daughter-in-law, Gail Peoples (Sacramento, CA) , nieces Tamara Mahoney, Karen Johnson, Annette Chaisson, Mia Pierre Jacques (Jean), and nephews, Robert Johnson, Jr. ( Karani), Ronald Johnson (Joy) , Kenneth Johnson (Celeste), Joseph “Skip” Chaisson (Stephanie), David Johnson Jr. (Hallie) , Terry Kinney (Myrna) and a host of great-nieces and nephews and cousins.

Jeremiah 29:11 was Gloria’s favorite scripture, and she often remarked, “God is taking care of me.” Truly God took care of her throughout her nearly 93 years of life, and she fulfilled her purpose and will be missed by many.