Gloria R. Gressman

Mrs. Gloria Mercedes Gressman, age 76, resident of Main St. in Varnville, S.C., entered eternal peace on Friday evening, February 13, 2026, surrounded by two of her beloved daughters and her devoted husband of 35 years, Mr. Gerhard Gressman.

Gloria Mercedes Rodriguez was born in New York City on August 25, 1949, to proud parents Gustavo and Berta Rodriguez, both immigrants of Puerto Rico and Spain respectively. Her beloved sister Doris was born in 1952, and together they grew up in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, both graduating from Cathedral High School. Gloria and Doris remained close for their entire lives.

After graduating high school in 1968, Gloria completed secretarial school and trained to be an airline stewardess before getting married and becoming a mother to her first two daughters, Jennifer and Carolyn. She moved to Maryland and then Virginia, and by 1983, her youngest daughter Kelly was born.

In the late '80's, Gloria met her soulmate, Gerhard, at church. They married on December 28, 1990, joining their families and beginning a beautiful 35-year journey together. From Virginia to Colorado, and finally, to South Carolina, Gerhard and Gloria remained active in their church and faithful to the Lord, living every day as an example of a marriage built upon faith in God and living by godly principles.

Gloria was a homemaker for 35 years and took great pride in providing a lovely and loving home for her children, grandchildren, and pets. She was an avid reader, particularly enjoying mysteries. She instilled in her daughters a deep love of reading. She also developed a love of movies from growing up in bustling Manhattan during the golden age of cinema. She loved music. From The Beatles to Frank Sinatra to Johnny Mathis to The Shirelles and The Chiffons, soul, pop, jazz, she loved it all and frequently had it playing in the background.

Gloria Mercedes Gressman was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and beloved daughter. She was a faithful follower of the Lord and remained a woman of faith for her entire life. When she awoke in Paradise, she could see. She could hear. She could move freely. She could think with clarity. She was rejoicing in the arms of her Lord and reuniting with those who went before.

Gloria was predeceased by her parents, Gustavo and Berta, and her dear sister, Doris.

She is survived by her husband, Gerhard.

Her daughters: Jennifer (Joe), Carolyn (Dan), and Kelly (Abner).

Her stepchildren: Angela and Jason (Melissa).

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: A.J. (Shanta), Vinnie, Gracie, Sofia, Alyssa, Sean, Abner Jr Sawyer, Luke, Nakota, Shea, Everett, Harper, Eva, and Ernie.

Her beloved sister Doris' husband (George) and their children Kim (Joe) and Zeb, and Kim's children Javin and Zoe.

Memorial Services will be held at the chapel at Peeples-Rhoden on Friday, February 27, 2026, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services beginning at 2 p.m.

Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home is assisting the Gressman family during this time.