Gloria Jean Bivins, aka "Cookie", was called to her heavenly home on February 18, 2025, at the blessed age of '79. She was born, September 6, 1945, in Akron, Ohio, where she lived her entire life. She was the first child born of the late Homer and Johnnie Mae (Mickey) Bivins, Sr. She graduated in 1963 from Central High School, of the Akron Public School System.

Her heart and soul were to her only son, Roland Derrick Bivins, whose life was tragically cut short. Her heart remained broken to her end of life. Yes, being a Yes, being a friend, and on her "good side" was priceless. She was thoroughly up front with you personally, in her own unique way of words, if you entered her other side. Mildred Bibby, aka Bitsy and her were best friends since 7th grade. Carolyn Boyd and Charlote Wade was her "Second Baptist Buddies".

She worked and retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Headquarters, Akron Urban League, Stewart & Calhoun Funeral Home, and lastly, Rhoden Memorial Home. She had a very strong work ethic in work and business matters for each Company. A Lifetime Member of the NAACP, serving in several request as directed by her President Ophelia Averitt. A member of The Order of Eastern Stars.

Cookie was involved in many things. Her relationship with the Lord began at an early age at The Free Will Methodist Church. She enjoyed Church. Her membership was at Second Baptist Church and Honorary & Financially Supported Love Koinonia Church, under the leadership of her "Baby-brother Terrance". She was very smart and articulate. Faithful and dedicated to every cause she encountered & involved. Of course, she said what she said, and meant what she said in everything, right or wrong. A heart of gold and a crowned jewel with integrity. She loved dressing in her "Finest" on every occasion she attended in all events. Cookie enjoyed playing cards, loving ALL her family and didn't mind tasting food and drinks. Her words, "The Finest & Best is what I want no matter the cost!"

She was proceeded in death by her son; Roland Derrick Bivins, her grandson; Roland Williams, her parents; Homer and Johnnie Mae (Mickey) Bivins, Sr., sister; Claudette Bivins, brothers; Duane, Brion and Ronald Bivins, niece; Alisa Bivins, great-nieces: Alijah, Elijah, Eniyah, and Amayah Bivins, grandparents; John and Clara Belle Harris, aunts and uncle; Dorothy Robinson, Vera Hearns, Audrey Heard, Roslyn (Bill) Thompson-Hill, Ronald (Sylvia) Harris, Claudia (Ray) Caldwell, great aunts; Claudia Bell and Edith Price, cousins; Archie Leonard, Lillian (Chuck) Patterson and Olivia (John) Allison.

To forever cherish her beloved memories, she leaves to cherish, grandsons; Derrick Bivins, Lebron (Savannah) James, Sr., granddaughter; Lanise Ferguson, great-grandsons; Derrick J. and Chance Bivins, Lebron Jr., Bryce James, Steven Chestnut, great-granddaughter; Royale Williams and Zhuri James, sister & caregiver; Claudia Pugh, brothers; Homer Jr., Baby-brother Terrance (Sheila) Bivins, niece & caregiver; Teria Bivins, 14 nieces and nephews, 16 great-nieces & great-nephews; 18 great-great nieces & nephews, our family matriarch; Daisy Williams, Best friend; Mildred Bibby (Bitsy), god-brothers; Robert (Nicole) Lee Harris, Jr. and Bishop Steve (Marice) Robinson, special friends; Charlotte Wade and Carolyn Boyd and a host of other cousins, relatives and dear friends.