Rev. Gloria Jean Byrd was born on November 18, 1941, to the union of Joseph and Wilhelmina Sprinkle. Gloria accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. At the age of 12 Gloria was baptized in Lake St. Mary. Gloria has always had music in her soul. She learned to play the piano and was a member of her High School choir and band. In college at Olivet Nazarene University, she found spiritual peace and comfort in continuing music. She continued with her singing at Braden United Methodist Church, with the Sisters of Love and the Clarence Smith Community Choir.

On October 10, 1966, she then married Charles Patterson, and they resided in Toledo, Ohio. She then went to the University of Toledo where she studied Black History & Literature. She graduated in 1980 with a Master of Guidance and Counseling. Her husband Charles passed away in April of 1981, and her mother Wilhelmina passed in August of 1981. Following their passing she obeyed the CALL of God on her life and began the process of Ministry by attending Methodist Theologically School, in Delaware, Ohio.

At graduation she was appointed to Aldersgate United Methodist church in 1988. She met and married the love of her life, Ellsworth Ovi Byrd on July 29,1988. She was appointed to Wesley Chapel in Cincinnati, Ohio. When she was ordained full elder in the Methodist church, she was appointed to Euclid united Methodist church in Toledo.

In 1998 she lost her brother Joseph Sprinkle Jr., in 1993 she lost her father, and in June of 1995 she was appointed to College Hill United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio.

She achieved her Doctor of Divinity at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, while at college Hill. She later went to New Prospect Baptist Church to join the fight for Justice. In 2003 she was appointed to Williamsport United Methodist church where she served for one year. She left Williamsport and returned to New Prospect for the rest of her life where she was ordained a Baptist Minister in 2003 by Reverend Damon Lynch III.

She lived at Mercy Community and joined the Senior choir there as well. Gloria was a rare gem; to encounter her was a blessing. Gloria went to the calling of the Lord, Friday January 19, 2024. She will forever be remembered and celebrated.

Gloria was preceded in death by Husband: Ellsworth Byrd, Mother: Wilhelmina Sprinkle, Father: Joseph Sprinkle Sr.,Brother: Joseph Sprinkle Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memories: New Prospect Baptist church family, Mercy Community & choir, friends in Toledo, Ohio and a best friend, Minister Vernice Appling & family.

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the New Prospect Baptist Church, 1580 Summit Road, Cincinnati  (45237).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

To share a memory of   Rev. Gloria or leave a special message for the  Byrd family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Herbert T. Walker III and Walker Funeral Home  are  honored to serve the Byrd family.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.