Gloria Hayes Hartman

Gloria Laurel Hartman, 77, of New Braunfels, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025. Born in Grenada, Mississippi, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Maurice Hayes and Martha Hoop and the third of four sisters in a gifted artistic family: Lisa Hayes and Eileen Hayes of Knoxville, TN, and Melanie Hayes of Lansing, MI.

A graduate of Memphis State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts, Gloria’s life was a vibrant tapestry of art, music, and faith. She mastered the craft of stained glass, transforming light into spiritual narrative through her work at Light Bright Studio and other projects. Gloria also served proudly as a noncommissioned officer in the Tennessee Air National Guard, providing graphic design and artistic expertise—becoming the eldest female recruit at age 34 years, 11 months and 29 days, a testament to her courage and determination.

Her career and passions were expansive: she worked as a painter, stained glass artist, graphic designer, illustrator, and art teacher for the Catholic Schools of Memphis; co-founded the Bartlett Art Association; and later earned a degree from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. A lifelong musician, Gloria found joy in playing the guitar and singing, and she expressed her creativity through sewing, gardening, and culinary arts.

After moving to Knoxville, TN, Gloria met the love of her life, Anthony Aloysius Hartman, whom she married on December 19, 1994. Their years together were marked by shared faith and hospitality, including hosting Cenacle prayer groups devoted to the Divine Mercy mission. She also studied with the University of Tennessee Master Gardener program and maintained a flourishing garden full of vegetables, herbs, and blackberries.

In Texas, Gloria became a devoted member of the Mission of Divine Mercy in Canyon Lake, where her faith flourished. Anthony preceded her in death in 2018, a loss she mourned deeply while finding resilience in community, faith, and pursuits like line dancing and healthy living. She continued gardening until her final days, cultivating not only beautiful plants but also friendships and spiritual growth. Family and friends surrounded her with love in the days before her death.

Gloria is survived by her three children: Basil White IV (Austin, TX), Melissa Eileen White (Bella Vista, AR), and Timothy Tighe White (New Braunfels, TX); her four grandchildren: Deena Reed, William Lane White, Timothy Tighe White Jr., and Kendall Rae White; and her beloved sisters Lisa, Eileen, and Melanie Hayes. She was preceded in death by her husband Anthony Hartman, her parents, and other cherished family members.

Funeral Arrangements:
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church in New Braunfels, TX, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities USA Disaster Relief to assist families affected by recent Texas floods.

Gloria’s legacy of faith, artistry, music, and love will continue to inspire all who knew her.