Gloria Vaughn

Gloria Vaughn, 84, was called to her heavenly home by her Father on December 12, 2020 in Alamogordo, NM.  She was born to Felix Casares of Sabinas Hidalgo, MX and Dora Garcia of Corpus Christi, TX, on June 25, 1936.  She attended school until the 8th grade and worked at a carwash to help support her family.  When she was old enough, she attended Del Mar Jr. College and the Salvation Army College in Atlanta, GA. She served as a youth minister at the Salvation Army in Laredo, Houston & Dallas, where she met her husband at a youth rally. She was lovingly nicknamed by her husband “Que Linda Bonita Sunshine Los Ojos de Cafeces”. As a military wife, she was able to travel & live throughout Europe and the US before making a home in New Mexico. She had 2 children, James Jr. and Melodie.  Jim & Gloria were married close to 40 years before the Lord called her beloved husband home. They both taught 3rd & 4th grade Sunday School at Grace United Methodist Church for 30 years. While living in Otero County, she served and helped in many organizations and has received numerous awards during her life. Gloria had served as New Mexico State Representative of District 51 from 1995-2010. She served on several committees within the State Legislature. She tirelessly worked as an advocate to improve the lives of the needy, women, children and veterans. She loved to oil paint, make crafts and travel.

Those who went on before her were her husband Jim; her son, James Jr; her mother, Dora Garcia & her husband Juan V. Zapata; her siblings Juan G., Ginger, Aldo Ray and her step mom Carlotta Cantu; her father, Felix Casares & his wife Hilaria Ortiz; her aunts, Rosa Garcia Bernal & Lily Garcia Corkill; her sisters, Sylvia and Olga Casares.

She is survived by her daughter, Melodie and her husband John Napieracz; her granddaughter, Judy and her husband Rivir Alcorn and 2 great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at Monte Vista Cemetery on Monday, December 21st at 3 PM.

Due to the COVID Pandemic,  attendance at the graveside is limited to 5 people. Please practice social distancing at all times. Thank you for adhering to the Department of Health mandate.

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