Gloria "Pookie" Lucille Jennings
Gloria Lucille “Pookie” Jennings, 88, of Bedford, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 11, 2025. She was born on October 2, 1936, to Robert E and Beulah M Gross. She lived a life full of warmth, humor, and unwavering love for those around her, especially her family.
Gloria was employed by Halmode Apparrel Sewing factory for more than 30 years until retirement. She made many lifelong work friends during those years.
Pookie carried with her an enduring love for Elvis Presley, his music and movies. One of her fondest memories was seeing Elvis perform at the American Legion Auditorium in 1955 for a $1.25 ticket before he became the well known famous singer and actor, when he was still just a side act for Hank Snow. She loved to tell the story, her eyes lighting up as she remembered the fun and magic of that night with her best friends Jean and Joann.
Known for her warm smile, storytelling, fun and joyful sense of mischief, Pookie also proudly called herself the “Weird Grandma,” wearing the title like a badge of honor. Whether it was her quick wit, her lighthearted antics, or the joy she took in keeping her family on their toes, she brought laughter and joy wherever she went. She even had her own signature way of saying goodbye—just like the comedian Carol Burnett—by giving a wink, sticking out her tongue, and pulling her ear, a gesture that never failed to leave her loved ones smiling, especially her granddaughter Brandi and great grandson Noah!
She was preceded in death by her husband William “Billy” Jennings; her parents Robert and Beulah Gray; her brother Ronald “Ronnie” Gross and wife Barbara; and brother-in-law Tom Pinkston.
She is survived by her son William “Ricky” Gross and wife Vickie; her daughter Shannon Dowdy Wakeland and husband Bryan; her brother Kenneth Gross and wife Betty; her sister Judy Pinkston; her granddaughter Brandi Pitts and husband Jared, and great-grandson Noah Pitts, her grandson Chase Wakeland as well as nephew Steve Gross and wife Tracie, nieces Rhonda Sawyer and husband Robert, Anne Wiley and husband Mark; and many great-nieces and nephews and a great-great niece whom she loved and adored all very much.
The family will receive friends and family for visitation at Lotz funeral home Thursday, August 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in Vinton, Va. A graveside service will be held Friday, August 15th at 11:00 am at The Mountain View Cemetery in Vinton, Va.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers and medical staff at Berkshire Nursing Home for all their care and love for Pookie. The family also wishes to thank Lotz Funeral Home for their kindness and support during this difficult time.
Though she may be gone from our sight, Pookie’s laughter, love and memories will live on in all our hearts forever and she will be greatly missed.
