Obituary of Gloria M. Bivins

Gloria Maxine Bivins (nee Boyd), was born September 09, 1938, to the late Richard Boyd & Lillie Rose Walker-Boyd in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She was raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Chicago, Illinois where she began her formal education. She graduated at the top of her class as the class president from Rowan High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She went on to further her education earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Grambling State University, a Master of Science degree from Temple University and has done additional studies at Rider College, Michigan State and Maryland College. After graduating college Gloria married her High School sweetheart the late John A.Bivins. He was the love of her life. They were married in Santa Barbara, California where John was stationed as a photojournalist and Lieutenant Airmen. From their union came their daughter LaJohn Denise & then their niece Redena Marie joined to complete their family. As a Civil Rights leader Gloria joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in Mississippi & Louisiana to fight for equal rights of all people and eliminate segregation in the United States. She participated in boycotts & canvasing activities to encourage blacks to register to vote. She was an activist in the Civil Rights Movement in the state of Mississippi for the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). She has dedicated her life to many civil organizations, all dedicated to serving the community. Gloria is a long-time member of Parkside United Methodist Church. Ever the leader and volunteer in the following organizations: Delta Sigma Theta, National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, INC—ETA Chapter of Camden, New Jersey, Order of the Eastern Star, Heroines of Jericho, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection, Order of Cyrene, Order of the Golden Circle, Daughters of the Auxiliary to the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Princess of the York Cross of Honor, & many more. Gloria finished her forty-five collective years of teaching when she retired from the Camden City School District in the year 2000. Gloria has received many honors and rewards and was very honored and humbled to be acknowledged in such high regards. She was preceded by her parents Richard Boyd (Earline) Lillie Rose Griffin (Delma) her late husband John A. Bivins, & her brother Richard Boyd, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory daughter LaJohn Denise Bivins-Pollitt, (Anthony Pollitt), Redena M. Bivins-Hicks (Rickey Hicks) 5 Grandchildren Christopher, LaTisha (Randy), Anthony, Jr. (Brittany) Justyce, & Reice, 5 Great-Grandchildren, 1 Sister Millie Perteete (Jimmie) The Robinson Family. And a host of Godchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives' friends.