Mrs. Gloria Jean Edwards Tompkins

Gloria Jean Edwards Tompkins, a cherished pillar of the historic Jimtown community and a legendary voice in gospel music, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, at the age of 68, after a brief illness. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, to the late Lou Jesse Edwards and Alene Rankins Warfield Edwards, Gloria’s life was defined by her unwavering faith, her devotion to family, and a musical gift that resonated across the Commonwealth for more than six decades. A lifelong resident of Jimtown, Gloria was a dedicated member of the Jimtown Baptist Church, where she accepted Christ in April, 1966, under Pastor Joseph Jones. As a dedicated member, she held numerous roles in the church, such as being the youngest Sunday School teacher, Trustee, Missionary member and President, finance officer, and Choir President. Her musical journey was deeply rooted in her heritage; she often credited her aunt, Sarah Edwards, for "schooling" her in the art of song. For over 60 years, Gloria was a cornerstone of the world-renowned Edwards Sisters gospel group. Her powerful harmonies graced stages alongside gospel icons such as Shirley Caesar, Rev. James Cleveland, and John P. Kee, leaving an indelible mark on the American gospel tradition. Gloria was a featured gospel singer in the 1983 Lexington, Kentucky, production of "Mahalia," written by Trent Tucker, a play celebrating the life of legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. She was one of three women who shared the lead role as "The Mahalias" in the original 1983 cast. Gloria’s love for singing led her to involvement in local pageants, Ms. CNO (Council of Neighborhood Organization) in 1973, and Ms. Ebony Expo in 1974, where she was crowned Queen! She was honored with being a Kentucky Colonel, along with many other accolades individually, and as a member of the Edwards Sisters. Gloria was a proud graduate of Bryan Station High School and continued her education in Business at the University of Kentucky and Law Enforcement at Eastern Kentucky University. She was heavily involved with her 1975 graduating class of Bryan Station, and the 50th Year Class Reunion just recently celebrated. Gloria was joined in holy matrimony to Samuel L. Tompkins on December 23rd, 1978, which led her relocating to Madrid, Spain due to his stationing in the United States Air Force. To this union, a daughter, Tamara, was born in 1981. Though in a foreign country, her ambition to work and her love for singing continued. While in Madrid, she was employed by a local golf course, the Audio Photo Club, and as the secretary for the Base Commander. She sang in an R&B group called Onyx, who often played at the local NCO club, and a gospel group The Gospel Messengers, who sang and toured all over Europe with sponsorship by the United States Embassy. She started working for Fayette County Public Schools in 1983 at the print shop at the district offices. From there, she became the Administrative Assistant at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, where she developed many lifelong relationships with staff and students for 21 years. She retired in 2011 to help care for her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Lou Jesse and Alene Edwards, brothers Michael Edwards and Bert Edwards, sisters Delores Edwards, Anna Sue Edwards Murrell, and Wanda Edwards Jones. She is survived by her beloved husband, Rev. Samuel Tompkins, her daughter Tamara (Robert) Jones, brothers Joseph (Tonya) Edwards (Columbus, OH) and Walter (Jo Carolyn) Edwards, sister Bertha Edwards Stewart, three granddaughters, Reagan, Ryleigh, and Rian Jones, daughters-in-love Earlene Jackson and Tesha Livingston, and a massive host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom she adored.

Mrs. Gloria Jean Edwards Tompkins

April 26, 1957 - December 20, 2025

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Mrs. Gloria Jean Edwards Tompkins

April 26, 1957 - December 20, 2025

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information