Gloria Panton Harvey

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Gloria Panton Harvey, a beloved educator, community leader, and devoted mother, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, love, and excellence that touched countless lives. Born on May 3, 1933, in Portland, Jamaica, West Indies, Gloria was the middle child of Thomas Hilton Panton and Pastoria Shaw Panton. Her parents, affectionately known as "Daddy" and "Miss Passie," instilled in her the values of family, education, hard work, and faith—principles that guided her throughout her life.

Growing up in a large and close-knit family, Gloria learned the importance of responsibility and caring for others from an early age. Her parents' strong belief in the power of education inspired her to pursue a career in teaching. Gloria attended Shortwood Teachers’ College in Kingston, Jamaica, where she began her journey as an educator. After graduating from Shortwood Teachers’ College, she taught at Palmers Cross Elementary School in Clarendon, JA. Her talent and love of educating her students was so impressive, she was promoted to interim Principal when the Principal went on leave. In 1964, her passion for education led her to migrate to the United States, where she became the first of her siblings to establish a new life in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

Gloria's academic achievements were remarkable. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical College in 1967 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and earned her Master of Science in Early Childhood Education and Child Development from Howard University in 1972. She also obtained an AMS Preprimary Diploma from the Institute of Advanced Montessori Studies in Silver Spring, MD.

Her career as an educator spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the early childhood education landscape. She was heavily recruited to lead and direct Capitol East Children’s Center in Washington, D.C., additionally, she was approached by concerned parents and peers to create a learning environment that catered to their racially and economically diverse population. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the Head Start Initiative, helping to implement Head Start education programs across the country.

In addition to teaching, Gloria was a dedicated advocate for early childhood education, administering programs in the Washington D.C. area and teaching at the college level. Her introduction to the Montessori Method in the early 1980s sparked a deep passion, leading her to become a certified Montessori teacher. In 1983, she acquired Willowbrook Children's House in Hyattsville, MD. Later she founded Mitchellville Montessori School in Mitchellville, MD in 1992.

Gloria strongly believed that “CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE.” Her vision of expanding Montessori education to future lifelong learners culminated in the establishment of Glenn Dale Montessori School in Glenn Dale, MD. This was a lifelong dream that she had to honor her parents' legacy of education and excellence.

A lifelong learner herself, Gloria was committed to best practices in Montessori education, providing training to parent groups and paraprofessionals. She participated in various community, post-secondary, and civic associations in the Washington Metropolitan area, coordinating numerous parent educational and training programs as well as services for children with special needs.

Gloria's ambitious spirit also led her to become a successful real estate agent, with a career spanning decades in the real estate industry.

After retiring in 2015, Gloria remained active in her community, participating in SAGE (Seasoned Adults Growing Educationally) fitness classes and water aerobics, as well as church ministries. She was a lifelong Christian and a devoted member of Fair Prospect United Methodist Church, Petworth United Methodist Church, Ager Road United Methodist Church, and Mt. Oak Fellowship United Methodist Church. She contributed to various ministries, including the Choir, Sunday School, and Women's Bible Study.

Throughout her life, Gloria welcomed family and extended family into her home, offering them love, support, wisdom, and opportunities. She was devoted to her daughter, Renee, nurturing her with love, wisdom, and a strong sense of cultural heritage and family connection; she loved having the family show up for Sunday Dinners. Known for her no-nonsense yet loving demeanor, Gloria was equally recognized for her joyful spirit, love of dancing, radiant smile, and the countless gatherings she hosted at her home, where fellowship and food were enjoyed—especially her famous macaroni and cheese.

Gloria Panton Harvey's life was a testament to the values of education, family, love and community service. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Gloria is preceded in death by: her parents, Thomas Hilton Panton and Pastoria Shaw Panton, and her siblings: Dita, Pearl, Hilma, Luther, Esther, Madge, Monica, Denzil, Millicent, and Bill. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Renee Panton, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and her four-legged family member, Bailey.

How We Will Remember Gloria May Panton-Harvey:

• "Fearless" – Gloria faced every challenge with courage and determination, never backing down from what she believed was right.

• "Likkle but Tallawah" – Though small in stature, she was mighty in spirit, embodying the Jamaican phrase that perfectly captures her strength and resilience.

• "Does Not Suffer Fools Gladly" – Known for her no-nonsense approach, Gloria valued honesty and integrity, never hesitating to speak her mind and stand up for her principles.

• "FAMILY" – Above all, Gloria was devoted to her family, always placing their well-being at the center of her life and extending her love and care to all those around her.