Gloria Jean Wheelright was born on August 19, 1950, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was the third of eight children, four girls and four boys. As the second oldest girl, she was born to the late Gertrude (McCreary) Wheelright and the late Watkin Wheelright.

Gloria accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at a young age at First Baptist Church in North College Hill. Not long after, her family joined Saint Pius Church in South Cumminsville. Saint Pius Church and School became a significant part of her life and her family's life as well.

Gloria graduated from Courter Tech High School in 1970 and attended the University of Cincinnati for education. She worked in healthcare, retail, for the Board of Education, and with children and young adults with special needs.

Gloria was affectionately known as Glory. She loved to garden and had exquisite taste. She was excellent at decorating everything, from fashion and accessories to homes.

Gloria was one of the most genuine people you could ever meet. She never hesitated to speak her mind, always giving it to you straight. However, she was also one of the kindest and dearest people you could ever know. She had a beautiful smile that would light up any room.

Gloria was a wonderful, loving mother, and she and her darling daughter, Yolanda shared the strongest bond. Where you saw one, you would see the other. A true "Mama Bear," she always ensured her daughter was taken care of and was a devoted grandmother to her beloved grandsons. She would do anything for them, helping to raise all three and showing them unwavering love. Gloria was a strong woman who endured much in her life, but she always remained steadfast in her love for her family and friends, especially her daughter and grandsons. She would go to the ends of the world for them. She was a Mama Bear and a lioness in every sense of the word.

Gloria was preceded in death by her father, Watkin; mother, Gertrude; brother Tony; brother-in-law, Grover Walker; brother-in-law, Larry Ferguson; and brother Douglas.

She leaves behind to cherish her precious memories, her beloved daughter, Yolanda Wheelright Soriano; her son-in-law, Juan Soriano; her beloved grandsons, Angel Antonio, Eleazer, Jonathan Andrew, and Josiah Alexander; her siblings, Mary "Rannie" Walker, Cecil (Rita) Wheelright, Brenda Wheelright Ferguson, Michael Jose, and Esther "Fina" Forte; Her two special darling niece's, Tonya Walker and Gwendolyn Lear; a beloved nephew, Mario Forte; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Also, her other little Little Girl, her faithful, loving dog Snowbell.

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati  (45206).   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.

Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery.

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

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Wheelright family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.