Gloria O'Bar Sharpless, a devoted mother, dedicated community leader, and cherished member of the Port Arthur and Winter Park communities, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at the age of 103 at Westminster Properties in Winter Park, Florida.
Born on May 18, 1922, in Austin, Texas, Gloria was the beloved daughter of Oscar and Beatrice O’Bar. She graduated from Austin High School and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas in 1943. During her university years she was honored as Sweetheart of the University in 1941 and remained a Life Member of the Texas Exes.
Gloria made Port Arthur, Texas, her home for nearly seven decades, from 1943 until 2012, when she and her husband, Robert “Bobby” Sharpless, moved to Winter Park, Florida. She served as a deacon at The Presbyterian Church of the Covenant and held leadership roles as past President of the Service League of Port Arthur and the Tejas Garden Club. She found great joy in golf and saltwater fishing.
She is survived by her sons, Larry E. Sharpless of Huntington Beach, California, and Jerry L. Sharpless and his wife Grace of Orlando, Florida. Her cherished grandchildren include Rebecca Sharpless Daulton and her husband Patrick, along with their son Josiah; and Christopher David Sharpless and his wife Brianna, who have two children, son Aden and daughter Ivy. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert “Bobby” Sharpless, and her son, Robert O. Sharpless.
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