Gloria J. Alston

Gloria Juanita Alston (Gigi) entered this world on February 6, 1938, and returned home to be with the Lord on September 21, 2025. A child of the King and a daughter of the late David D. Alston Sr. and Alice B. (Bell) Alston.

“She opens her mouth in skillful and Godly wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness” – (Proverbs 31.26).

Being baptized at a young age, Gloria spread her love and talents in missionary works, the usher board, reporter for the newsletter, service for Project Church, and the resident writer of poetry for First Baptist Church of McDonald, PA.

Gloria’s employment skills were many. She called it her “adventurous hike on the employment trail.” She was the top presser at a suede and leather cleaners and a department head in a retail store. She worked in food prep for the airlines, as a caregiver for the elderly and as a childcare worker. She finished as a cook in two establishments in McDonald.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, David D. Alston Jr., two stepsons, Robert Allen, Jr., and W. Maurice Allen, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She leaves to mourn her passing: her sister, H. Jean (Alston) Glover (Rev. Christopher Glover), her six children Sheila Rae (Powell) Ragland, Jeymi Lynn (Powell) Mullen, Anita Yvette Powell, Damon Mandel Powell (Carol Joy), Rev. Robin Allen, and Doris Lynn Allen, as well as seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren (with one more on the way), and four great-great grandchildren.

Gigi left this earth her way and in her own words, including the writing of this obituary. Even in death, she left her family a list – always prepared for her time to return to her mansion in the sky.

Family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8PM Friday, September 26, 2025 at Graff-Nation Funeral and Cremation Service LLC. 220 E. Lincoln Ave. McDonald PA 15057. A Going Home service will take place Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 11AM in the First Baptist Church of McDonald, 141 North McDonald St., McDonald, PA. 15057. Interment will Follow at Robinson Run Cemetery.