GLORIA ROBERTS DURRANCE

Gloria Roberts Durrance, 85, a longtime Hardee County resident and businesswoman passed away Sunday, July 2, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.

She owned and operated Cat's Country Mouse and Cat's Corner for almost 50 years. She was well known for her community involvement and was awarded Business Person of the Year in 1995. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church for more than 75 years, where she served in many capacities including general Sunday School Secretary.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Willard K. Durrance; and a son, Steven Martin Durrance; and parents, Martin and Catherine Roberts.

She is survived by her son, Kelly (Elizabeth) Durrance; the late Steve's wife, Cindy Lacy; granddaughters, Erica (Eli) Thornton, of Zolfo Springs, Rebecca Durrance, of Tampa, Shelby (David) DeVinney, of Tampa, and Caroline Durrance, of Wauchula; great-grandchildren, Brooks and Madison Thornton, and Dustin, Ava, Kylie, and Caleb DeVinney; as well as many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 7, at New Hope Baptist Church, with the service following at 11 a.m. Officiating the service will be Pastor Kevin Roberts and Marcus Shackelford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Hope Baptist Church Recreation Fund or Good Shepherd Hospice.

Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com

Ponger-kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.