Gloria Kay Eldridge was born on January 6, 1946. "Kay," as she was affectionately called by family, was the fourth oldest of seven children born to the late Nathaniel Cogdell and Geneva Herring Cogdell in Newton Grove, North Carolina. Kay gained her heavenly wings on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

Raised in the church, Kay and her family enjoyed many activities such as Sunday School, Revival, Service, and more. Being from such a large family, Kay was taught diligence and discipline at an early age. Her parents were farmers, restaurant owners, and healthcare workers. Kay quickly learned that earning good grades would be critical to her success. She was a member of the 4H club throughout school, winning several awards for the best dozen eggs. Kay excelled in school and ultimately graduated Magna cum laude from Forest Hills High School. As a recipient of a one-year scholarship for Nursing, Kay attended Saint Augustine University in Raleigh, NC. Little did Kay know that her Uncle Archie "Pete" would introduce her to her future husband, Sherwood R Eldridge, during her school years.

Gloria (Kay) and Sherwood (Teany) were married in May 1964 and moved to Plainfield, New Jersey, reuniting with Teany's siblings. Soon after, they were blessed with their first daughter, Shirlene, in November 1964. Seven years later in March 1971, Kay and Teany welcomed their second baby girl, Michelle. Shirlene and Michelle were definitely the apples of their eyes. Kay and Teany worked tirelessly together to give their daughters everything they needed and a lot of what they wanted. Everyone who knew Kay and Teany could feel their love for their girls.

As their family expanded in 1971, Kay and Teany bought their first home in Piscataway, NJ. Family meant the world to Teany and Kay. As the girls got older, Kay decided to start working outside the house to help make ends meet. Landing an opportunity at AT&T Bell Laboratories was great for Kay because she was able to use her strengths of completing difficult puzzles each day. She enjoyed the detailed microscope and wiring work she completed.

As the kids got older, Kay was able to start doing even more things she loved. She enjoyed going to Atlantic City, Jai Alai in Connecticut, and the Meadowlands in Secaucus for horse racing. Also, she enjoyed shopping at local stores and spending quality time with family and friends. Planning the annual trip to Las Vegas for the family was a highlight for Kay as family gatherings always gave her the opportunity to show off her great cooking skills, especially with that delicious sweet potato pie.

In 2001, after some health issues, Kay ultimately retired from AT&T Bell Laboratories. Soon after, Kay decided to relocate to Dallas, Georgia in 2004 to be closer to immediate family. As a result, Kay was able to spend quality time with her youngest grandchildren at the time.

Kay was a sweet, caring, loving person. She had a gentle spirit with a little edge. Kay was a woman of few words but always had something interesting to say when she spoke. She was always poised and disciplined. Kay was highly organized in every aspect of life. Kay always had a calming demeanor that was comforting to many. She had a heart of gold and was always willing to be there for others.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Nathaniel and Geneva Cogdell of Goldsboro, NC, her ex-husband, Sherwood R. Eldridge of Piscataway, NJ, and her daughter, Shirlene Smalls of Dallas, GA.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Michelle Brown (Robert) of Powder Springs, GA; four grandchildren, Herman Smalls IV (Christian) of Newport News, VA, Koran Brown of Powder Springs, GA, Tyrell Flowers of Portsmouth, VA, and Mekai Brown of Powder Springs, GA; Seven great-grandchildren, Zacharyiah, Herman V, Aiden, Cianni, Scarlet, Olivia, and Ezra; three sisters, Parthenia Cogdell of Willingboro, NC, Eutean Redding (Aubrey) of Goldsboro, NC, Wanda Martin (David) of Greensboro, NC; one brother, Dwight Cogdell of Goldsboro, NC. Special recognition to her extended family and friends. Kay's love and gentle spirit will be dearly missed!

The funeral Service will be live streamed. The live stream can be viewed below or by clicking the link below. The camera will activate 10 minutes prior to service.

LIVE STREAM HERE

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you contribute to the Gloria K Eldridge scholarship fund, for her grandchildren. Your contributions will help build a foundation for the next generation.  You can Zelle a donation to the Gloria K Eldridge Scholarship Fund Chase account by using 770 540-5993.  Bless You!

To the Eldridge Family, we at Greener Pastures Funeral Home, extend to you our deepest sympathy & condolences. Our prayers remain that your abiding faith in God will continue to comfort, to strengthen and sustain you during your time of bereavement.