mcdougalGloria Annette Sansom McDougal, 69, of Early, went home to heaven on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, after a long battle with breast cancer. She was born in Raymondville, Texas, on Dec. 24, 1943, to “Curly” and Ann Sansom.

Gloria, also known as “Sis” or “Sissy” to family, lived and worked in the D/FW area, where she was an active member of First Baptist Church Grapevine. She moved to Early to help take care of her parents in 2000. She retired from Schindler Elevator in 2008. Gloria enjoyed participating in ministry at FBC Early, volunteering with Good Samaritan Ministries, and was known for helping anyone who needed anything at anytime.

Gloria was a devoted daughter and favorite cousin, and faithful friend. She was beloved by many and her thoughtfulness, generosity, and humor were a blessing to everyone she met. She enjoyed movies, professional tennis matches, Bunco group, bible studies, southern gospel music, Cumba Family Reunions, playing games on her iPad, Chicken “E” ice, and often found QVC impossible to resist. She affectionately called everyone “dear,” kept her long fingernails well-manicured with a ring on nearly every finger, and was never without bracelets and earrings. Her career dream was to be a stand-up comedian, and could bring laughter and humor to any situation.

She was courageous and strong, having fought polio as a pre-schooler, raising two children as a single mom and bravely battling breast cancer. She WON her battles and found complete and perfect healing in the arms of her Savior the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gloria is survived by her daughter, Donna McDougal Lamkin and her husband Bob Lamkin; her son, Robert McDougal and his wife Krista McDougal; grandchildren, Dakota Kate, Carson, Chance, Cole, CheyAnne, Cody, Montana Mae, Mack and Ronan; her father, Curly Sansom; her brother, Lloyd Sansom and his wife Elaine Sansom; and many loving cousins.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Heartland Funeral Home. We will celebrate her life and Home-Going with a memorial service that will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Early First Baptist Church.