Gloria Deen Stanton

Gloria Deen Stanton, 94, of Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 3, 2026. She lived a long and faithful life marked by humility, devotion to family, and a quiet spirit of generosity that touched all who knew her.

A service to celebrate Gloria’s life will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Visitation at 9:00 a.m. and a memorial service at 10:00 a.m.

Gloria was born on April 9, 1931, in Baxley, Georgia, to William Grady Deen and Sidney Hutchinson Deen. Growing up in a small town, she graduated from Baxley High School at just 16 years old. Her adventurous spirit led her to attend nursing school in Richmond, Virginia, and then joined the United States Air Force as a nurse.

During her time serving in the Air Force, Gloria met the love of her life, Dr. Daniel Breene Stanton, an Air Force dentist. They married and began over fifty years of adventure together, building a life centered on faith, family, and friends.

Gloria devoted herself wholeheartedly to supporting her husband and raising their family. She embraced the quiet but meaningful role of encourager and steady presence in the lives of those she loved.

Gloria loved playing bridge, participating in water aerobics, spending time with friends and cheering for the Baylor Bears. In her later years at The Blake Assisted Living, she treasured daily devotionals, walks with friends and making treats for residents and staff. Gloria was known for her warm hospitality and her love of entertaining, always welcoming others with kindness and grace.

Those who knew Gloria remember her as humble, deeply loyal, friendly, and generous. She was a natural peacemaker and a constant source of encouragement to her family. Her children and grandchildren especially cherished her unwavering support.

Gloria was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Daniel Breene Stanton; her parents, William Grady Deen and Sidney Hutchinson Deen; and her siblings Judy Dennis, Mary Hobbs, and Sidney Deen.

Gloria is survived by her children, Bill Stanton and his wife Nancy, Kathy Stanton Ambrose and her husband David. She was the proud grandmother of Daniel (Lindsay), Lauren (Daniel) Amy (Austin), Blake, Kyle (Stephanie) Michael, and grandson from Cameroon, Steve (Azarah). She was also blessed with sixteen great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Addy, Abbott, Sam, Hayes, Ava, Brady, Darcey, Hailey, Tucker, Olivia, Madison, Raphael, Jacob, Sebastian, and Emma.

She is also survived by her sibling, Grady Deen and others in the Deen family, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews including Carol Adams, Fred Dennis, Gloria Hobbs, Gilda Stone, David Deen and many others who held a special place in her heart.

Gloria will be greatly missed by her family and friends. While our hearts grief in her loss, we take comfort in knowing that she is rejoicing with her Savior and reunited with her favorite person and constant source of laughter—her beloved husband, Dan.

Special thanks to The Blake nurses & staff for all their support.

Memorials can be made to Saint Louis Catholic Church or Fuzzy Friends Rescue.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Gloria on her Tribute Wall at www.whbfamily.com.