Gloria Voncille Bender nee Garrett died unexpectedly on January 24, 2025, in Ocoee, Florida at the age of 75.
Gloria is survived by her son, Brian Bender of Orlando, and her husband, Bruce Bender of Orlando.
Gloria was born in Gainesville, FL, on January 2, 1950, to Voncille and John Garrett. She was an accomplished dancer and pianist and a certified member of Dance Masters of America, specifically in tap, jazz, and ballet.
Gloria married Bruce Bender in 1970, at the age of twenty, and they remained in Gainesville until 1979. When both had received their bachelor’s degrees from the University of Florida, they relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where their son Brian was born. They remained there until 1989, when good fortune brought them to Walt Disney World.
Here in Orlando, Gloria discovered the world of miniature making becoming an integral part of the Miniature World of Central Florida Club. She even served as President when asked.
Both Gloria and Bruce worked for the next twenty-two years at Walt Disney World and were able to travel often to Europe. After retirement, much time was spent in their RV discovering America and seeing 45 of the lower 48 states.
Please join all of us for a service at the West Orange Chapel, DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, 1400 Matthew Paris Blvd, Ocoee, FL 34761. On February 1, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. with a service to follow.
If you would like to send a remembrance for Gloria, please make a donation to the American Diabetes Association.