
In Loving Memory
GJ
Gloria J. Rolen
July 3, 1948 — April 12, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gloria J. Rolen, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, who left us on April 12, 2026, at the age of 77. Gloria passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Born on July 3, 1948, in Orange, Texas, Gloria was the treasured daughter of Lana Carroll Fontenot and Essie Marie Johnson, who preceded her in death. She was raised in a close-knit family with her siblings, Becky Molin and Tommy Lee Fontenot, who remember her fondly as a pillar of strength and joy throughout their lives.
Gloria's journey of love began when she married the love of her life, Thomas J. Rolen, on December 21, 1969, in their hometown of Orange. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with shared dreams and unwavering support for each other. Their union was blessed with two wonderful children, Tammye Crawford and her husband Shawn, and Matthew Rolen and his wife Elena, who Gloria cherished deeply.
A proud graduate of Little Cypress High School, class of 1966, Gloria was a woman of many talents and interests. She was an avid shopper, a skilled seamstress, and a culinary artist whose kitchen was always filled with the aromas of her delightful cooking and baking. Gloria had a passion for collecting dolls, a hobby that brought her immense joy and connected her to a network of fellow collectors who became lifelong friends.
Her love for baseball was only rivaled by her dedication to her grandchildren, Nathan Rolen and his wife Rachel, Dakota Crawford, Mackenzie Crawford, and Lucas Rolen. Gloria was their biggest fan, attending countless games, recitals, and events with boundless pride and enthusiasm. Her great-grandchildren, Liliana and Elizabeth Rolen, were the lights of her life, and she delighted in every precious moment spent with them.
Gloria will be remembered for her loving and generous nature, her impeccable comedic timing, and her stubborn yet endearing old-fashioned beliefs. She had a unique ability to bring laughter and warmth into the lives of everyone she met, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her.
As we gather to celebrate Gloria's life, we find comfort in the countless memories she created, each one a testament to her unwavering love and devotion to her family and friends. While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the incredible life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind.
Gloria's family invites all who knew her to join in commemorating her life at a service to be held at a date to be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Gloria's memory to a charity of your choice, reflecting her spirit of giving and kindness.
Gloria J. Rolen will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Her laughter, love, and gentle spirit will continue to guide and inspire us all.