Gloria Herring Thompson the youngest child of Altha Lee and Kembrough Walters Herring was born October 17, 1936. Mrs. Thompson was diagnosed at a very young age with Rheumatic Fever and was left with heart disease that ended her life July 10, 2015 at Bethany House, Auburn, Alabama. Mrs. Thompson was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John W. Thompson, one grandson, Bradley Welch, siblings Lester Herring, Helen H. Hinson, Mavis Chafin, Annie Ruth Cherry, Betty Jean Herring and Ray Herring and her special mother in law Gertrude Thompson. Mrs. Thompson was survived by her son, John W. Thompson II and his wife Beverly; grandsons John W. Thompson III "Trey" and his wife Tamara, Jace Brannon Thompson and his wife Katelyn. Grandmama will be especially missed by her great grandchildren, Makenzie Welch, Tucker Thompson, and Trent Thompson, who were the joy of her life. Mrs. Thompson has one surviving sister, Wylene Bush as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Gloria attended Beaureguard School and at one time worked at the Blossom Shop, Haynies Drug Store and for Dr. Guy Gunter. Many will remember her as Dr. Barry Whatleys chair side assistant where she worked for over thirty years. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Opelika where she attended the Bobbie Meadows Sunday School class and sang in the choir. Gloria always enjoyed all the special music programs and her favorite was "The Living Christmas Tree." Mrs. Thompson was also a member of the Pilot Club of Opelika. Mrs. Thompson, the youngest of "The Herring Girls" was a beautiful, southern lady. She was a wonderful cook and her famous and most requested specials were chocolate and lemon cheese cakes, the best ever tasted. She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her.