Esteemed and long-time educator Gloria P. Batiste passed away September 14, in Eunice.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 11:00 a.m. at New Zion Baptist Church in Eunice.
Gloria P. Batiste was born August 15, 1932 in Eunice and was a life-long resident.
She attended elementary school on Happy Hill in Eunice and graduated from Crowley Industrial High School. Gloria earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southern University and master’s degree in education from Louisiana State University.
She began her teaching career in Elton, taught at Charles Drew High School, Happy Hill Elementary, Northeast Elementary in Opelousas, Highland Elementary and Central Elementary.
When teaching, her goal was academic excellence and education for life. She set high expectations for her students and demanded they respect themselves and others. She leaves a legacy of excellence through education. Gloria retired in 2004 after 43 years of teaching.
Gloria P. Batiste dearly loved her family. She first met Roy Batiste when they were students at Southern University.
In 1955, they met again while teaching at Charles Drew Elementary/High School. She married Roy, the love of her life, in 1956. Together they reared four children: Darrell, Kathy, Delida and Roy Jamal.
She also loved her friends and her church. Accepting Christ at an early age, she was an active member of New Zion Baptist Church. For many years, she co-chaired the beautification committee which decorated the church with beautiful flowers and festive decorations during the holidays, and she also developed the Sunday morning programs for the church service.
Gloria was a deaconess, chair of the Annual Memorial Service and served on many various committees.
In addition to her church activities, Gloria was a member of the Socialite Club, National Association of University Women and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her passion and dedication to serve others was exemplified by her unfailing commitment to these organizations.
Gloria P. Batiste is survived by her children: Darrell (Saundra) Batiste of Chicago, IL, Kathy (Bobby) Kirven of Penfield, NY, Delida Batiste of Lafayette, LA, Roy Jamal (Marla) Batiste of Houston, TX; six grandchildren: Barry, Grace, Marley, Rory, Sydney and Balen; three sisters: Evelyn Pleasure; Betty (Louis) Levy and Barbara (Andrew) Guillory, and one brother – Michael (Kathy) Victorian. She will be greatly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Katherine Victorian and Joseph A. Pete; one brother, J. Allen Pete, Jr., husband, Roy Batiste, and twin sister, Delores P. Owens.