Gloria Fay Kirby

Gloria Fay Kirby went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by her beloved family after a four-year battle with Primary Progressive Aphasia.

A private Requiem Mass will be held for the immediate family on July 11th, 2026. A Celebration of Gloria’s life will be held at Tony’s Pizza, 3320 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas on Saturday, July 11th, 2026, at 12pm. Gloria will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas following the celebration, in an informal graveside gathering. All are welcome but not obligated to join the graveside gathering.

Gloria Fay Crow Kirby was born February 7, 1942, in Fort Worth, Texas, to the late Horace W. Crow and Jesse Barksdale Crow. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband of 55 years, William Robert “Bob” Kirby; her sister, Alice Cord; and other cherished family members who welcomed her into eternal life.

On November 16, 1963, Gloria married the love of her life, Bob Kirby. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and service to others. They raised two daughters, whom they loved beyond measure, and later found their greatest joy in becoming grandparents and great-grandparents.

Gloria was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. For several years she operated an in-home daycare, caring for countless children with the same love and attention she gave her own family. She later worked for fourteen years in food services for elementary schools within the HEB Independent School District, where her caring nature and warm smile touched many lives.

Family was always Gloria’s highest priority. She and Bob spent countless hours attending baseball games, football games, dance recitals, school programs, musicals, and every milestone imaginable for their children and grandchildren. Whether sitting through cold winter games, rainy afternoons at the ballpark, or lengthy performances, they treasured every moment. Their family was their greatest joy, and they were their grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s biggest supporters. The children never knew an event where Meema and Grandaddy weren’t present.

Gloria took great pride in maintaining relationships with family and friends. She never missed an opportunity to reach out with a phone call, card, visit, or word of encouragement. She certainly kept the Hallmark store in business. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel remembered, valued, and loved. Countless people considered Gloria a dear friend because she genuinely cared about their lives and well-being.

Gloria and Bob were deeply committed members of St. Timothy’s Anglican Church. Together they dedicated countless hours to serving their parish community, often visiting homebound and hospitalized parishioners, offering companionship, prayer, and comfort. Their devotion to their faith and church family was unwavering, and their example of Christian service touched generations of parishioners.

Following Bob’s passing, Gloria remained actively involved in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether spending afternoons by the pool, exploring museums and the Science Spectrum, attending school activities, or simply enjoying everyday moments together, she never missed an opportunity to be with the people she loved most.

In August 2024, Gloria moved to Lubbock, Texas, to be near her daughter Debbie and became a resident of Raider Ranch Retirement Community. While Lubbock was not the home she had known for most of her life, she embraced it wholeheartedly. The residents and staff of Raider Ranch welcomed her with kindness, friendship, and compassion, helping her feel at home and at peace during her final years.

Anyone who knew Gloria remembers her infectious smile. It brightened every room she entered and remained with her throughout her illness. Even as aphasia gradually stole her ability to communicate and understand the world around her, her smile continued to reflect the joy, kindness, and love that defined her life. It was a gift to all who cared for her and visited her in her final years.

Gloria’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, selfless love, devotion to family, and genuine care for others. She lived her life serving God, loving her family, and building meaningful relationships with everyone she encountered. Her example will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her for generations to come.

Survivors include her daughters, Sheri Zibelin and husband, Michael, and Debbie Birchfield and husband, Vance; grandchildren, Alec Birchfield, Hagen Fryrear, Shane Birchfield, Kasey Nixon, and Palmer Fryrear; grandchildren spouses, Courtney Birchfield, Jamie Fryrear, Amanda Birchfield, and Caleb Nixon; great-grandchildren, Jax Birchfield, Ryker Birchfield, Cole Birchfield, Theodore Fryrear, and Cooper Birchfield; two great-grandchildren on the way; and many beloved extended family members and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gloria’s name to standperformingarts.org, a local community theater in Keller, Texas located at 805 Keller Parkway, Keller, TX 76248. Gloria took such pride in those involved in this special ministry.