Gloria Ann Graham Reich Johnston, 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on July 31, 2025.

Born on August 27, 1940, in Vance County, North Carolina, Gloria was the daughter of the late Kathryn Cooke. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Cooke; her sister, Alecia "Cookie" Phelps; and her niece, Sherri Phelps Brown.

Gloria is lovingly remembered by her husband, Joe Johnston of Virginia Beach; her sons, Donnie Reich (Hallie Sears) and Andrew Reich (Ashley Bell Reich); and her four grandchildren: Summer, Savannah, Landon, and Hudson Reich, all of Virginia Beach. She also leaves behind her sister, Mary Lou Blakely (Mike Rohr) of Apex, North Carolina.

Through her marriage to Joe Johnston, Gloria embraced a second family with warmth and joy: stepson James Johnston and his children, Helene and Royce Johnston; stepdaughter Jennifer Johnston Vincent and her son Evan Vincent; and great-granddaughter Ember Vincent.

A proud graduate of Franklinton High School in North Carolina, Gloria was crowned homecoming queen and carried that same vibrant spirit throughout her life. She had a lifelong love for Elvis Presley and spent many joyful years as an avid bowler. Above all else, she was a devoted mother and grandmother who rarely missed a chance to cheer from the stands at the ball field.

A celebration of Gloria's life was held on August 18, 2025, at the home of Andrew and Ashley Reich.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gloria's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Her light lives on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Paid obituary