Gloria B. Erkins

Obituary For Gloria B. Erkins

Gloria B. Erkins was born in Canton, MS on March 13, 1946. Her parents Susie (Leonard) Perteet Theodore Bolden welcomed her with great joy. Gloria grew up in Kosciusko, Mississippi. As a young girl accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Silas Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Gloria attended Tipton Street Elementary and Long Creek High School. She was a proud graduate of the illustrious Jackson State University. After graduating Jackson State University, Gloria moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she began her over forty-year career serving in the roles of teacher and administrator with Milwaukee Public Schools.

On October 29, 1977, Gloria married her best friend and the love of her life, James Walter Erkins. Their marriage wasn't just a union but a beautiful illustration of love, dedication and support. Through every triumph and trial, they walked hand and hand serving as the perfect complement to each other.

Gloria was above all else, a committed educator who believed with every fiber of her being that every single student possessed the potential to thrive. To her, education wasn't just a profession, it was a calling to protect and uplift the youth. In a world often filled with uncertainty, she stood as a steadfast anchor for countless young people. Where others saw limitations, Gloria saw possibilities. She was a fierce protector of youth, creating safe harbors where children felt seen, valued and safe to grow. She didn't just teach she rousingly rallied.

When doubt crept into the minds of those around her, Gloria was there to dispel it, offering a brand of unwavering support that made you believe in yourself when no one else did. To know Gloria was to admire her ability to seamlessly transition between the many roles she played. Highly respected and deeply loved, she wore her many hats with grace and dignity. A mother to many; her maternal instinct knew no biological bounds; her heart was always open to anyone needing a listening ear. A mentor to some; she guided colleagues and students alike with wisdom, patience and high expectations rooted in love. A special friend to others; she was a trusted confidant, providing encouragement and unconditional support. She possessed the rare gif t of making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room.

Beyond her profound impact on the community, Gloria lived lift vibrantly. She was a woman of intellect and enthusiasms, always well versed in current affairs and ready for a lively discussion. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life and brought a creative spark to everything she touched. She was a passionate fan of basketball and football, bringing the same high energy to cheering on her favorite teams as she did to cheering on her students. She was an avid reader, and she loved the camaraderie of playing games with family and friends. Gloria possessed a remarkable green thumb and was a skilled decorator. She was preceded in death by mother and father, Susie and Leonard Perteet and Theodore Bolden, three brothers John, James, and Donald Perteet and two sisters, Bernice Campbella and Barbara Lawrence.

PLACE OF SERVICE: Silas Grove M.B. Church #2, Kosciusko, MS

DATE OF SERVICE: Thursday 05/21/2026 at 10:00 a.m.

INTERMENT: North MS Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Kilmichael, MS

VIEWING: Wednesday 05/20/2026 at 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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