Funeral Service Live Stream:
Events
The Viewing will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025 10:00AM – 11:00AM EST at the Howard University School of Law Dunbarton Chapel, located at 2900 Van Ness St, NW Washington, D.C. 20008.
The Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025 11:00AM – 12:30PM EST at the Howard University School of Law Dunbarton Chapel, located at 2900 Van Ness St, NW Washington, D.C. 20008. For those unable to attend the service in-person, you can participate remotely by viewing the live stream of the service (please scroll up to see the video).
The Reception will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025 12:30PM – 02:30PM EST at the Howard University School of Law Dunbarton Chapel, located at 2900 Van Ness St, NW Washington, D.C. 20008.
The Interment will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the Fort Lincoln Cemetery, located at 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722.
Order of Service
Obituary
Gloria Parker Dunmore was born on August 12, 1933, in Mebane, NC to the late Alonzo Elmer and Mamie Anderson Parker. As the second eldest of 14 children, who affectionately called her “Chick,” Gloria developed a nurturing and caring spirit at a very early age. She graduated from Pleasant Grove School and matriculated to Kate Bitting Reynolds Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1955.
Upon graduation, she relocated to Boston, MA to reside with her cousin “Bill” and work as a nurse at Boston City Hospital. While working there, she went on a blind date, and met the love of her life, Lawrence Alfred Dunmore, Jr., who was completing his medical externship. They relocated to Washington, DC in 1957 and married on May 4, 1958. She was employed as a nurse at George Washington Hospital while Lawrence worked at Freedmen’s Hospital.
Gloria gave birth to their first daughter, Gwendolyn in 1959, after which she stepped away from nursing into her new and most passionate role as a stay-at-home mother. Gloria and Lawrence welcomed bundles of joy Jacquelyn in 1961 and Lawrence, III in 1966. Over the years, her home became a safe haven for family and friends, welcoming brothers after Vietnam, and sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins as they pursued their studies and careers.
Gloria and Lawrence joined Plymouth Congregational Church in 1961, where she served as a Deaconess and Chair of the Bereavement Committee, which tasked her with many home visits to the sick and shut in.
Outside of the home, Gloria was extremely involved in community and civic organizations. She pridefully served and was recognized for her outstanding performance as a Precinct Captain of the District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics for over 20 years. Gloria was Past President of the Auxiliary to the Medico-Chirurgical Society of the District of Columbia, National President of the Auxiliary to the National Medical Association, Inc., and a charter member and Past President of the Metropolitan DC Chapter of the Links, Incorporated.
Socially, Gloria was an active member of Tots and Teens, the Couple’s Club, Hens and Roosters, Les Bon Amies, Modern Grannies, and an Archousa of Epsilon Boulé. While introducing her young children to swimming and bowling, she learned the sports alongside them. Gloria became passionate for both and continued to participate in weekly swim aerobics and an all-female bowling league well after the kids left the nest.
Gloria was a second mother to many, and the Dunmore home became a revolving door for her children’s friends, keeping her young and spicy! Once her children were grown, she returned to her passion of nursing, beside her eldest daughter. In this role, she found deep joy in comforting and caring for others, showcasing the same compassion that defined her throughout her life. Gloria is still remembered and revered by the patients she encountered.
This was all in preparation for her absolute favorite roles as grandmother and great-grandmother. Hosting sleepovers, transporting to school and extracurriculars, frequenting Candy Cane City, Parkway Deli, and going to movies, became her favorite past-times with the grands. She never forgot her origins and was active in her tribal community, the Occaneechi-Saponi, going to Pow Wows and other tribal events when time allowed, and taking the grands with her.
Gloria will be remembered for her tenacity and will always be loved for her witty clap backs, infectious smile, and giving spirit. Her legacy of love, service, and kindness will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her. As we celebrate her life, she would want us to always remember to “Smile, you’re on candid camera.”
Gloria was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence Alfred Dunmore, Jr., grandson, Lawrence A. Dunmore, IV, and siblings, Sadie Delores, Alonzo Jr., William, Samuel, Marvin, and Clarence Parker. She is survived by daughters, Gwendolyn D. Alexander, Jacquelyn Dunmore-Griffith (Wayman), and son, Lawrence A. Dunmore, III (Karen); grandchildren: Heather K. Alexander, K. Christopher Alexander, Michael B. Alexander, Jillian D. Griffith, Joelle D. Griffith, Jared T. Alexander, Wayman T. Griffith, II, and Hallie E. Dunmore; great-grandchildren: Bella Morton, Lucas Hall, Kye Alexander, Chase Alexander, Kari Alexander, and Kira Alexander. Gloria is survived by siblings Ida Lewis (James), Elaine Parker, Marie Kotomori (Richard), Louis Parker, Roy Parker and Gail Parker; a very dear friend, Rick Sarter, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.