Mabel "Gloria" (Vanderpool) Massey

With profound sorrow and joyful remembrance, we announce the homegoing of Mabel “Gloria” (Vanderpool) Massey, known lovingly as “Glo” to those closest to her. Born on June 11, 1943, in Jamaica, New York, to the late William C. and Minerva Jackson, Gloria was a beacon of faith, family, and love. On Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the age of 81, she transitioned into eternal peace in Rock Hill, SC, surrounded by loved ones who cherished her deeply.

A Life Rooted in Faith

Growing up as the youngest of six children, Gloria’s early life was profoundly shaped by her family’s strong missionary values. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at the tender age of 11, setting her on a path that would define her life. Her curiosity and zeal for the Word led her to Bethel Gospel Tabernacle in her neighborhood, where she deepened her understanding of scripture and began the journey of service that she would pursue her entire life.

Gloria’s commitment to her faith blossomed in her youth and continued through her attendance at Bethel Bible Institute in Queens, New York. It was here she met her first husband, the late Samuel Vanderpool Sr., whom she married on July 28, 1962. Together, they embraced God’s call to evangelism, leading Bible studies and ministering to their community. Their 41-year union blessed them with five children, and the family sang together in the Bethel Gospel Tabernacle’s Full Gospel Hour Choir, nurturing a deep connection to worship.

After moving to Rock Hill, SC, in the late 1980s, Gloria became an active member of her new community, first with The Church of God of Prophecy and later with Higher Heights Ministry, where she was known for her dedication to mission work, youth praise dance, and community outreach. Her work in the ministry brought joy to countless lives and served as a testament to her unwavering devotion to the Lord. Gloria later joined Catawba Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, where her dedication to God remained steadfast.

A Celebration of Life

A viewing will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home, with public visitation from 9:00 am to 10:30 am and private family viewing from 10:45 am to 12:30 pm. A celebration of Gloria’s life will follow at 12:45 pm, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory, rejoice in her spirit, and cherish her legacy.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Sylvia and James Moore, whose care in Gloria’s final days was invaluable, and to those who supported her with love, transport to appointments, and acts of kindness that made her last years truly blessed.

As Gloria would often say, "Praise the Lord! Walk with Jesus! Be a blessing!" Her light shone brightly on this earth, and her spirit remains with us, guiding us all to love, serve, and share God’s grace.

May Gloria’s memory be a blessing, and may her soul rest in peace.