Gloria Marie Sers Jones was born August 6, 1930, as the second child and first daughter born to James Robert (Jimmy) Sers and Blanche Monette Sers. She departed this life June 24, 2026, at her Cane River home. After completing high school in Gardena, California, Gloria returned home and became reacquainted with her childhood friend, Lewis Emery (Sonny) Jones, whom she married in 1951. Gloria was a devoted mother to six children.

Gloria worked as a Secretary for the Natchitoches Parish School Board for 20 years. She served as a Commissioner of Elections for 50 years and was a founding member of the St. Augustine Historical Society in 1979. She also served on the board of the Cane River National Park and Heritage Areas and on several Louisiana boards, including the State Board of Agriculture and the State Livestock Branding Commission. One of her most special roles was being a member of the Council on Aging Board of Directors. She was named as a Natchitoches Treasure by the City of Natchitoches in 2015.

Gloria’s service to St. Augustine Catholic Church brought her profound joy and fulfillment. She joined the St. Augustine Confraternity of Christian Mothers in 1951 and served many times as President. Other church work included devoting her time to the St. Joseph PTA and the fair committees; serving on the parish council; teaching in the Religious Education Program; and leading morning prayers on Radio Maria. Gloria served as a Eucharistic Minister in church and was especially blessed with the opportunity to bring Holy Communion to the sick in their homes. She befriended the Sisters of Divine Providence and worked with the Divine Providence Mission.

In her elderly years, Gloria affectionately became “Mama Glo” to the St. Augustine Church community and beyond.

Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, James and Blanche Sers; brother James Sers, Jr. and brother-in-law O. B. Terrell. She is survived by her sister, Irene Sers Terrell and Hardy Sers (Myrtis) of California; her children Gwen Vandergriff (Tevis) and Judi Moran (Joey) of New Orleans; Emery Jones (Gail), Pat Jones (Angela), and Janet Caldwell (Kevin) of Cane River and Cheryl Llorence (John) of Dallas. She leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at St. Augustine Catholic Church. The family will receive friends from 9:30 am until the time of service in the church. A rosary will be held at 10:30 am. Entombment will immediately follow in St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery.