Gloria Bell Neff Gloria Be l Neff was born on December 22, 1935, in Zion City, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Patsy Taylor Toussaint and Sonny Wade. Gloria was a tenacious, competitive, and audacious woman whose presence was as bold as her style and as deep as her generosity.

She was fiercely protective of those she loved, outspoken in her Gloria graduates H S 1955 convictions, adventurous in spirit, and unwavering in her faith.

She devoted her life to her family, the Black community, civil and women’s rights, her Christian faith, and uplifting others through service and leadership. She also found great joy in traveling, athletics, and cooking homemade Louisiana cuisine that brought people together.

A devoted Christian, she was an active member of Greater Galilee Baptist Church, where she served faithfully in many roles, including Vice President of the Greater Galilee Baptist Church President Committee, of Credit the Union, Hospitality member of the Scholarship Committee, and choir member. Her leadership extended well beyond the church. Gloria was a lifelong learner and accomplished professional.

She was a proud graduate of Capitol Area High School, and an esteemed member of their alumni association. She attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana prior to relocating to Milwaukee. Gloria went on to receive her Associates Degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College and her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.

She was a certified bowling coach, travel consultant, entrepreneur, and businesswoman. She received a Distinguished Achievement Award from the United Negro College Fund, an award from Black Women on the Move for community volunteer work, and an NAACP award for highest member enrollment.

She served as Chairman of the African World Festival, Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Wisconsin Association of Black State Employees, and was a member of the Wisconsin Probation & Parole Agents Association. Gloria’s life was marked by service, excellence, and a deep commitment to justice and community empowerment.

Gloria in the 90s On Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 Gloria Neff completed her earthly journey. She is survived by her former spouse, Roosevelt Neff; her loving children, Veronica D. Neff and Anthony (Teia) Neff; and her cherished grandchildren, Alyssa Neff and Aaron Neff. Her nieces and nephews also survive her: Ronald J. Ross, Sr., Gary (Charlene) Hill, Constance Randolph, Tonja Bassett, Sonya Noah, and Virgil Ross (Nephew and Godson). She was preceded in death by her parents, Patsy Taylor Toussaint and Sonny Wade; her siblings, Isabella Toussaint Ross, Marjorie Mae Toussaint, Curtiss Williams, and Amos Toussaint; her favorite cousin Frozina Williams; her nephews Amos Wade, Ivory Louis Ross, Glenn “Pete” Ray Hills, and David “Bruh” She was preceded in death by her parents, Patsy Taylor Toussaint and Sonny Wade; her siblings, Isabella Toussaint Ross, Marjorie Mae Toussaint, Curtiss Williams, and Amos Toussaint; her favorite cousin Frozina Williams; her nephews Amos Wade, Ivory Louis Ross, Glenn “Pete” Ray Hills, and David “Bruh” Robertson; Robertson; her niece Gwendolyn Ross; and her nephew in-law Nathaniel Randolph. her niece Gwendolyn Ross; and her nephew in-law Nathaniel Randolph.