Gloria Virginia Seaman Cooper was born on December 23, 1926, in Thomas, West Virginia, to Charles William Seaman and Maude Marie Cousins Seaman. She was the third youngest of four children. While working in the coal mines of West Virginia, her father contracted black lung disease. When Gloria was three years old, the family moved to Pontiac, Michigan. She received her education there and married Wendell Eugene Wightman. While he was with Pontiac GM, they moved several times from Pontiac to Houston and then to Oklahoma City. They finally settled in Oklahoma City to raise their four children.

Later, Gloria moved to Odessa, Texas, where she lived for many years at the home of her daughter, Merrie Ann. She met and married Gordon Cooper, a wonderful man who treated her like a queen. She and Gordon moved to Austin, Texas, for several years before eventually settling in Orlando, Florida, to be near her daughter, Connie. She and Gordon were dedicated members of Lutheran churches in Odessa, Austin, and Orlando.

Gloria was a woman of deep faith and believed wholeheartedly in the power of prayer. She was a creative artist, an accomplished seamstress, and a gifted vocalist. In Oklahoma City at Westminster Presbyterian Church, she was a valued member of the choir and was known for her exquisite solo performances.
Gloria was predeceased by her siblings Elsie Marie Seaman Haun, Elwood William Seaman, and Charles Seaman; as well as son-in-law Richard L. Johnson, daughter-in-law, Susan Dawson Wightman, and grandson Michael Ross Wightman. Gloria is survived by her four children, and their spouses, Merrie Ann Wightman Woodward (Doug), Robert Wendell Wightman (Sally Jane), Corrine Marie Wightman (Rob Reedy), and Richard Wayne Wightman (Verna).  She is survived by her grandchildren, Ann-Marie Woodward Kemp (Colin), Craig Woodward (Katherine), Christopher Woodward (Michelle), Kimberly Woodward Herndon (Richard), Melissa Woodward Delzell (Chris), Elizabeth Mallory Wightman Fullerton (Glen), Julie Katherine Wightman Taylor (Patrick), Wendy Wightman Connolly (David), James Ryan Wightman (Lori), Tammy Johnson (Jesse Aires), Christina Johnson and Heather Wightman (surviving spouse of Ross).

In addition, Gloria is survived by the children of her husband Gordon R. Cooper.  Including children Janann Gibbs (Richard), Chuck Cooper (Ying) and Gordon Cooper II (Karen).  The grandchildren include Jennifer Mueller (Phillip), Michael Gibbs (Suzanne), Sarah Richhart (Cliff), Randy Cooper (Jessica), Lydia Ellison (Patrick), Wenbo Zhang, James Cooper (Michelle), David Cooper, Matthew Cooper (Morgan).

The family would like to thank The Commons and the team of care givers who provided such wonderful care and attention, especially Shelby and Geniqua.

A virtual memorial service for Gloria will be held on July 12, 2025 and in lieu of flowers, the family recommends contributions to the organization of your choice.