Gloria Anne Fisher

Gloria Anne Weaver Fisher, 85, of Concord, NC, died peacefully in her home on Tuesday, October 23rd after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Gloria was born August 31, 1933 in Statesville, NC as the only child to Henry Harward “Red” Weaver and Billie Brown Weaver. In 1936, the Weaver family moved to Shelby, NC where Gloria enjoyed her days as a Golden Lions cheerleader and graduated salutatorian from Shelby High School. Gloria graduated Cum Laude in 1955 from Woman’s College (now UNCG) in Greensboro, NC with a BS degree in Secretarial Administration and a minor in Music (piano). After college, Gloria worked for Belk Stores in Charlotte, NC as Executive Secretary in Belk’s Buying Service Department. In August of the same year, her father died, and Gloria moved back to Shelby to help her mother. She also began teaching at Kings Business College. In 1956, Gloria married the love of her life, William (Bill) Schaeffer Fisher of Concord, NC, and moved to Kannapolis, NC where Bill was employed by Cannon Mills Inc. In 1957, Gloria and Bill were assigned to Fort Knox, Kentucky for Bill’s US Army Officers training. Upon returning to Kannapolis in late 1957, Gloria taught at Evans Business School until she became a mother to two children, Julie Anne and Schaeffer. In 1967, the Fisher family moved to Concord, NC. This brought new opportunities for Gloria. In addition to being an avid tennis player and gardener, Gloria enjoyed her bridge clubs, garden clubs and Esoteric Study Club. Gloria became an active member of St. James Lutheran Church – teaching children and adult Sunday school classes, being a member of the Mary Magdalene Circle and serving on various church committees. She volunteered for charitable organizations such as CCM (Cooperative Christian Ministry) Soup Kitchen and Girl Scouts and was very involved with elementary, middle and high school parent opportunities.

Most of all, Gloria loved people, and people loved her. She never seemed to meet a stranger, always had time for others and left the room laughing. Gloria loved her family and had fun planning special outings and annual vacations. Gloria’s charming quick wit, upbeat personality, warm smile and love of people made for great times and a happy life for all who knew her.

Gloria is survived by her husband of 62 years; two children – Julie Anne Autrey (Greg) of Atlanta, GA and William Schaeffer Fisher, Jr. (Tammy) of Concord, NC; three grandchildren – W.S. (Trey) Fisher III of Charlotte, NC, Rachel M. Autrey of Atlanta, GA and Caroline M. Fisher of Concord, NC; sister-in-law Anna Barbara Fisher; nieces - Margaret Elizabeth Scarborough and Lucinda McIver Human (Butch); and great-nieces - Anna Elizabeth Hart (Forrest) and Laura Margaret Hart.

Gloria’s family would like to thank all of the caregivers in the last stage of her life, and especially her long term caregivers – Krista Howard, Michaelle Elliott, Renee Silk and Jasmine Dolaballie and housekeeper, Nancy Lambert.

The Celebration of Life service for Gloria will be held 11:00 am, Saturday October 27th at St. James Lutheran Church, 104 Union Street South, Concord, NC 28025. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 26th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Wilkinson Funeral Home, 100 Branchview Drive, NE, Concord, NC 28025.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Lutheran Church - Memorial Fund (sjnc.net), Alzheimer’s North Carolina (www.alznc.org), CCM (cooperativeministry.com) or to a charity of your choice.