Gloria Van Hook of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 years old on November 4 ^th , 2022.

Gloria was born in London, Arkansas on April 28 ^th , 1926 to Logan and Sylvia (Bunn) Tate. They had 2 sons and 2 daughters, the youngest was Gloria.

From the time Gloria was a little girl she brushed her brother's hair and upon getting her first perm she wanted to be a Cosmetologist and tall like the models. Since she didn't get to grow tall, she got to be a hairdresser and a teacher which was a gratifying career, and she loved every minute of it.

Bryan Van Hook, her late husband, was the light and love of her life. They went to so many fun places around the world together. Traveling the world with him gave her freedom to experience other places and cultures in other countries. After Bryan passed, she started enjoying more of her travels with her closest friends, Betty Brown, Carolea Morris, and Beverly Lowery, we know they are all together again.  She further enjoyed travels with her family and was always looking for the next adventure. Being social with friends playing bridge and eating breakfast at George's with her Sunday School church friends was always a delight to her. Even going out on the town to the Grove and Shady Inn for dinner was something she treasured. She would never turn down the chance to be with family or friends.

The most important things in life to Gloria was love and education. She had love for all of her family.

Gloria is preceded in death by her mother: Sylvia (Bunn) Tate; father:  Logan Tate; brothers: Kermit and Lawrence Tate; sister: Aloha Gourley; husbands: Bill Burke and Bryan Van Hook; nephews and nieces: Brenda (Tate) Adams, Linda Jane Tate, Donald Gourley I and DeAnna McCord.

She is survived by her nephew: William Tate and his family; niece: Pamela Chatham and her family; great-nieces & nephew: Sally Champagne, Jill Hansen, Pamela Black, Debra Gourley and Donald Gourley II and their families; and several great-great-nieces and nephews.

Gloria loved to donate to several charities including local Springfield Boys and Girls Clubs and College of the Ozarks (formerly School of the Ozarks).

Gloria was a smart businesswoman, always kind to others, positive outlooks on life and its challenges. She lived a life following God and the church that gave her structure and faith.

Visitation will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home from 12-2pm on Thursday, November 17 ^th and the Memorial Service will follow at 2pm with Reverend Cooper McWhirter officiating. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, North Springfield following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First and Calvary Church or the Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield Missouri.