Gloria Wright Thomas (Tatum) was born on October 31, 1937, in Hallsville, Texas to her parents Lola Simmons and Jerome Wright. She was educated in Hallsville Public Schools and later moved to Marshall, Texas. She passed away on August 17, 2021 in Marshall, Texas.

She met Tommy Tatum, Sr. in the 1950s and remained with him until his passing in 1963. To their union, five children were born, Eddie, David, Otha, Jacquelyn, and Dan. Being the loving person she was, she also maintained a close relationship with her "bonus" children, Tommy, Jr., Florell, Alvin, Edwina, and Sam.

She worked for ACTÍVA Products as a shipping manager for over 30 years before retiring. She was a long-time, faithful member of the St. Mark Baptist Church where she proudly served as the Usher Board President for many years until her health declined. She was also well known for her banana pudding which was often requested by members of the church and community.

She was preceded in death by: Parents – Lola Simmons Wright McCaney and Jerome Wright; Siblings – Dan Wright, Johnnie Melvin Wright; Children – Jacquelyn Roberts, Otha Tatum, Dan Tatum; Alvin Tatum, Sr., Edwina Griffin

Her survivors include:
Children: Eddie Wright and David Wright of Marshall, Texas; Florell Tatum-Flowers of Corona, California, Sam "Sam Baby" Tatum of Jefferson, Texas, and Tommie Tatum, Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri.

Grandchildren: LaTanya Tatum Logan of Austin, NaKeitha (Norman) Carter of Tyler, Keyon Tatum of Marshall; Monique Wright of Shreveport, Kenyon Jermaine Wright and Kenyata Wright of Sacramento, California, Alvin (Carla) Tatum, Jr. of Hampton, Virginia.

Goddaughter: Karneisha Brashears of Marshall, Texas

Nieces: Belinda Burks and Billie Lee (Dallas, Texas); Margarett Wright (Garland, Texas); Melinda Wright (Longview, Texas)

Cousin: Bobbie Jean Masters (Longview, Texas)

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 22, 2021 at St. Mark Baptist Church in Marshall, Texas. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marshall, Texas.