Gloria A. (Thigpen) Fitch

Gloria Ann Thigpen Fitch was born on June 14, 1963, in Joliet, Illinois, at Silver Cross Hospital to the late Reverend Samuel and Annie L. Thigpen. She peacefully departed this life on Sunday, December 28, 2025, with her daughter lovingly by her side.

Gloria accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Reverend James McNair of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. She later transferred her membership from Mt. Moriah to Holy Cross Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Samuel Thigpen, where she served faithfully as an usher and Sunday School secretary. In 1995, Gloria moved her membership to St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a devoted and faithful member under the leadership of Reverend Herbert Brooks, Jr.

Gloria attended Lockport Township High School, where she graduated in 1981. She began her professional career at Sunny Hill Nursing Home, where she worked for 10 years. She later joined St. Joseph Medical Center, initially working in the laundry department before transferring to the Surgical Unit as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Determined to further her education, Gloria returned to school and earned her nursing degree in 2002. She continued serving in the medical field as a nurse, retiring from St. Joseph Medical Center in 2006. She later continued her nursing career at St. Pat until her health began to decline.

Gloria had a deep love for reading and cooking, having learned many cherished family recipes from her mother. She often added her own special touch to certain dishes and eventually became the next beloved family cook. She also enjoyed hosting ladies’ night out events and spending time with those she loved.

In 2010, Gloria married her husband, Harges Fitch, and they shared 15 years of marriage filled with love and companionship.

Gloria was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents; her parents, Reverend Samuel and Annie L. Thigpen; her brothers, Gary Thigpen, McKinley Thigpen, Marvin Lindsey, Dewitt Lee, and Frank Thigpen; her nephew, Marcus Coleman Sr; her nieces, Charity Lanier and Sherry Thigpen.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving husband, Harges Fitch; her daughter, Joshlyn Thigpen; her grandsons, Sheldon Cherry, Joshua Thigpen, Jacob Thigpen, and great-grandson, Lennox Cherry; bonus son Joey Owens her brothers, Calvin Thigpen, Richard Thigpen, and Samuel (Carlette) Thigpen; her sisters, Emma Thigpen, Elizabeth Hope (Charles)McElrath Cassandra (William) Foster, Lanita (Gary) Marble, Jamie (Michael) Adjei, and 2 remaining Aunts Lillian Joyce Smith; and Bonnie Smith; her special friends ; Lovetta Williams and her lifelong classmates who call themselves (Friends for Life) and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

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