Gloria Thompson DeCoster

LAKE WALES, Fla. – Gloria Thompson DeCoster, 83, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 after a brief battle with cancer.

Gloria was born Sept. 11, 1939 in Auburn to the late Albert Thompson, Sr. and Delores Thompson Blanchard. She was the second of seven children.

After Gloria and her husband John were married in 1958, they ran their printing business together. In 1959 they both gave their lives to Christ and have served Him faithfully in full time Christian service.

After studying at Glen Cove Bible School, they served as missionaries in Mexico starting in 1968. Once they completed a year in language school they worked with small churches in villages near Guadalajara, ran a book store in their home, led Bible studies and women’s groups, and taught Sunday School. Since Gloria was a fantastic cook and hostess, she was always welcoming new friends and family into her home. Of course, doing all this while rearing five children and taking care of John kept her on her toes.

Over the years John and Gloria started three churches in Mexico and one in El Paso, Texas, and helped out as needed in many other aspects of missionary life.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, John R. DeCoster.

She is survived by her daughter, Bethany Sanner and husband Scott of Leland, N.C., son, John DeCoster and wife Susan of Van Horn, Texas, son, James DeCoster and wife Stella of Middletown, Md., son, Daniel DeCoster and wife Elizabeth of Denver, Colo., daughter, Deborah Brewner and husband Jason of Babson Park, Fla.; sister Georgieanna MacArthur and husband James of Poland, brother, Barry Thompson and wife Carole of Monroe, N.C., brother, Albert Thompson Jr. and wife Nancy of Kalamazoo, Mich., brother, Donald Blanchard and wife Marilyn of Auburn, sister, Carolyn Harlow and husband Gary of Turner, and brother, Joel Blanchard and wife Tricia of Canton; 13 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Deborah and Jason Brewner for the love and care they gave to Gloria while she lived with them in Florida for the past four years.

A celebration of life will be held at East Auburn Baptist Church, 560 Park Ave., in Auburn, Tuesday, April 11, at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. Fellowship and snacks to follow.