Gloria Ruth Paul

Gloria Ruth Paul was born to the late William R. Gajadar and Isedra Gajadar DeLeon on March 26th, 1938.  She was born and raised on the lovely island of Trinidad and Tobago in the West Indies.  Through Isedra’s second marriage, Gloria gained a stepfather, Cito DeLeon. Gloria completed her studies in Accounting.  She eventually chose to leave Trinidad and migrate to the Unites States in search of a better life for both her and her family.  Gloria married Carlisle R. Paul and they were blessed with four children, Lesley, Roxanne, Duane, and Carlene. Gloria and Carlisle raised their family in Washington, D.C. and Maryland.  ?? Gloria enjoyed a very successful business career in many different industries.  The highlights of her career included working as an Accountant for the AFL-CIO, owning several of her own businesses (including a deli, boutique and a beauty salon), and becoming a very driven and accomplished real estate agent.  Her love for life and for others could be seen in every aspect of her working career.  One of her proudest moments came when she turned her salon into a feeding center for the homeless in the DC and MD area during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Gloria was an active member of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Washington D.C.  She was a profoundly spiritual person who enjoyed a very close relationship with the Lord.  Throughout her long life she supported many local and national charities and devoted her life to helping and improving the lives of family, friends, and even strangers in need.  She had a beautiful, giving spirit and lived her life with complete joy.  Gloria, affectionately known to family and friends as "Sexy G", had a deep and personal love for family, dance, music, travel, and Caribbean food.  She tirelessly supported many birthdays, sporting activities, educational endeavors, graduations, holidays, and family events for her children, grandchildren, family members and friends.  She believed in the power of obtaining a quality education and she valued independence.  She sacrificed to ensure that all four of her children were afforded the opportunity to obtain both a private and higher education, become successful, and live prosperous lives.  She had an incredible work ethic and was determined not to be a burden to anyone close to her.  She selflessly opened her home and heart to anyone in need, and always made you feel like you were part of her family or one of her children.  Gloria’s life-long dream after retirement was to return home to her native Trinidad, and to purchase a home on the island to spend her remaining years.  She was blessed to realize both of these dreams for a brief period before health issues forced her return back to the United States.  ?? Gloria departed this earth on Thursday, January 21st, 2016, surrounded by her loving children.  Left to cherish her memory are her husband Carlisle, her four children, Lesley, Roxanne (Brett), Duane (Kalonn), and Carlene (Jerome), and her twelve grandchildren, Armani, Isis, Malachi, Marcus, Morgan, Mason, Makenzie, Cole, Marc, Trey, Henry, and Khalil.  She is also survived by her siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other extended family and friends.