Gloria L. Augustine

Gloria "Gee-Gee" L. Augustine was born on November 25, 1924 in Harlem, NY to Charles and Irene Strachn. During her elementary school years she attended New York City Public Schools. She received her high school diploma from George Washington H.S.

Gloria's first job was a trail-blazing milestone for her, she was one of the first African-American women to be hired as a phone operator at AT&T in NYC. She was introduced to and fell in love with music at a very early age in her life. She began taking piano lessons and became a true master of her craft. Gloria eventually started performing at various venues, such as Carnegie Hall, amazing her audiences with how she "tickled the ivories."

Her deep love of music became such an integral part of her life; her natural talent was phenomenal. Gloria wanted to advance her education and passion for music so she attended the Manhattan School of Music for Advanced Piano Studies. She then pursued her Bachelor of Arts from New Rochelle College and completed her studies with a Masters of Arts in Music and Music Education from Columbia University in New York.

During the eventful years of her 30's, Gloria met and fell in love with Kermit E. Augustine. They wed in October of 1956. This lovely union produced their three children: Berenice, Gloria E. and Kermit C.

Gloria's journey through motherhood and her overall love for children eventually led her into the field of education. She taught second grade at St. Gregory's Catholic School in Brooklyn, NY. It was there that she put on her first Broadway adaptation of the musical Purlie. The success of that musical ignited her desire to teach music to children.

From St. Gregory's, Gloria moved on to teach music at the Day School in NYC where she eventually became the Head of the Music Department. She directed several upper school productions such as, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Sound of Music, West Side Story, The King and I, Guys and Dolls, Lil Abner and The Mikado. After her impactful years at The Day School, she moved on to teach music at Manhattan East JHS. Gloria then continued her career as the choral director at I.S. 391 Mahalia Jackson in Brooklyn, NY until her retirement.

Shortly after her retirement, Gloria relocated to Central Florida with her daughter and granddaughter. She loved to travel, spend time with loved ones and play the piano at her leisure.

Gloria's radiant warmth has touched many that have crossed paths with her over the years. She always acknowledged special occasions by sending cards and notes to those she loved and cared about. She had such a big heart with an effortless ability to make anyone feel welcomed and loved. That trait was passed on to her from adoring ancestors as she was extremely fond of spending time with family and friends.

Gloria was preceded in death by her sister Leila Campbell, her nephew Hughey Campbell and her husband, Kermit E. Augustine. Gloria's legacy will live on through her daughters Berenice and Gloria E., her son Kermit C., her granddaughter Deonna Joy, and a host of relatives and close friends.

The family of Gloria "Gee-Gee" L. Augustine wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation, your sympathy and condolences. May God bless you.

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