November 17, 1928 — January 18, 2022
OBITUARY
Gloria Jean Harper Fort was born November 17, 1928, the fourth child of James Weldon Harper and Leila Smith Harper. Her parents migrated north from Toccoa, Georgia, moving first to Trenton, New Jersey before ultimately settling in Cleveland, where Gloria Jean and her four sisters were raised and educated.
The Harpers were a close-knit family. She and her sisters, Alice Harper McCrady, Dorothy Harper Pope, Judge Sara J. Harper (Trumbo) and Constance D. Harper were surrounded by a supportive network of relatives that spread across cities and states.
Gloria Harper Fort died January 18, 2022.
Growing up in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, Gloria Jean had many friends. She, like her big sister Dorothy, loved to dance. She had an engaging personality and a true zest for life.
Gloria Jean attended Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church with her family. She graduated from John Hay High School where she studied the secretarial sciences.
Gloria Jean met and married Clarence Fort and their union produced three children. He preceded her in death.
In 1959, Gloria Jean moved her young family to Wilberforce, Ohio where she worked for Central State University. She became secretary to Charles Wesley, the first President of Central State. Later the family moved to San Diego, California where she lived and worked until her retirement. She returned to Cleveland to live for part of each year beginning in 2005, splitting her time between Cleveland and San Diego. During her time in Cleveland, she was an active member and a staunch advocate for the Senior Program at East End Neighborhood House.
Gloria Jean is survived by her children, Michele Fort Merrill (William Wood), Mikal S. Aziz (Roberta) and Marcia Fort Varner (Rodger); her sister, Judge Sara J. Harper (Trumbo); and a host of other relatives, including:
- Grandchildren: Mya Merrill Bishop (Brian), Bill Merrill (Aime), Laila Aziz, Mikal James Aziz (Nefertiti) Makayla Aziz, Maclovia Varner, Michelle Varner, Melinda Varner Webb (Carroll), Dajamah Blevins.
- Great grandchildren:
- Merrill grandchildren: Alex, Nathan, Will and Kaleb
- Aziz grandchildren: Malcolm, Myles, Josiah, Malonna, Mykal, Mikiyah, Sahmir and Dayauna
- Varner grandchildren: Cameran, Isaiah, Marcus, Dominique, Caia, Geno and Harper
- Nieces: Constance Trumbo Haqq, Kimberlee Joy Trumbo, Karen Monique Trumbo, Shasta D. Trumbo, Noa Kay Trumbo
- Nephews: James William (Bill) Trumbo, Adam Christopher Harper Trumbo, York William Moore (Shanna), Isaac Norwood Richmond, Harrison Theodore Trumbo
- Cousin: Winifred Lynton Reed
A gathering of family and friends was held Friday, January 21, from 3:30pm-6pm at E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home, 2165, East 89 St. [44106]
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