Dear family and friends,

I can’t think of any graceful way to say this, so I’ll just speak the truth.

My mom, Gloria Crites, passed away Sunday night. She was 58. She and my dad were just one year shy of their 40th anniversary. They had a great romance ever since they met at church when she was 16.

Mom was still smiling until just a few days ago, and then she mostly slept. She had no pain except for some stomach cramps last Thursday. She knew who everyone was, and she really enjoyed holding hands, hugging and backrubs. We all had many special times with her ever since she started hospice care on Jan. 4.

I’d like to share my last memory of her when she was awake: Last Wednesday, we had gotten her up to eat lunch. We laughed and had fun at lunch. Then we rolled her wheelchair where she could look out the front storm door and see the sunshine. It was a pretty day. She was happy there, looking outside, with a blanket around her. As I left, I shut the door, and I waved to her through the glass. She smiled really big at me and her hand peeked out from the covers and waved goodbye. She continued that big smile as I walked down the hill and out to my car. Every time I looked back, she was smiling. That was my mom.

Funeral arrangements:
Thursday, Jan. 24, 4:00 – 9 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 25, 2:00 p.m.

Both will take place at:
Chapel Hill Mortuary
6300 Highway 30
Cedar Hill, Missouri 63016
Phone: (636) 274-4100

After-funeral celebration of Glo:
Friday, Jan. 25
Crites’ house
911 Pontoison Dr.
Ballwin, MO 63021

You are invited to attend.

In addition, we decided that we would like to share your thoughts about Mom in some way. If you would like to write a few paragraphs about your experiences with Gloria, please comment below or email them to me. We may read them in the service or have them available to read at the visitation. I would need these paragraphs tomorrow afternoon/evening (but even if you don’t make the deadline, we’d still like to hear your thoughts; they just won’t be available for public viewing). Also if Mom made you any jewelry, please wear it.

Lastly, I’d like to thank everyone. Mom always told me that God blessed people who were thankful. We’ve so much love and blessing poured on us by so many people that it is overwhelming. Your support has helped us tremendously.

I’d also like to give special thanks to:
–The Lord Jesus: He has always been with us. “Be still and know that I am God.”
–My mom’s work: Humes and Barrington. They have went above and beyond what a company needed to do, and we appreciate their continual kindness.
–My parent’s church: Twin Rivers Worship Center and my parent’s elder, Randy Morrison. The church itself and the people of the church have provided tons of support, cards, emails, phone calls, and love.
–My church: St. Louis Family Church. They have sent Pastor Jim Armstrong to bless us in several visits, plus Mom, Dad, and I were encouraged by several healing school sessions. We also received a lot of love and support from our friends there.