Gloria Jean "Jeanie" Derritt , devoted follower and lover of Jesus, a greatly loved wife, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, gifted counselor, and amazing cook, departed this life on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the University of Kansas Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends and loved ones who sang her into eternity amid an atmosphere of worship.

Gloria was born on May 22, 1968, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Freddie Lee Blackman and Laura Faye Bonner. She was the baby of 11 children: Amos Knight (Sylvia Knights), Queen Easter West, Mary L. Britt, Martha L. Blackmon, Shirley R. Webb, Shi F. Bonner, Wilbert M. Blackmon (Marilyn Blackmon), Travis Blackmon, Freddie Blackmon II, Theresa Blackmon, and Twonta McKeithen (bonus sister). She was preceded in death by her parents, Freddie Lee Blackman and Laura Faye Bonner; her brother, Freddie Blackman Jr.; and her sisters, Queen Easter West and Mary Britt. She attended Hickman Mills High School, where she was known from an early age as an amazing, gifted singer.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Counseling and Bible from Calvary University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Mid-American Nazarene University. She was a board-certified counselor through the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. She owned Beauty Within Counseling Services, where she counseled women. She was also a joint owner of The Derritt's Marriage and Couples Counseling Services, where she co-counseled couples with her husband, Dr. Shawn Derritt, a Certified Life Coach.

Gloria met the love of her life, Dr. Shawn Derritt, and they married on April 5, 2014. From this union, a blended family of 5 was formed. Gloria loved sharing life with her husband; they traveled, ministered, sang, recorded, counseled, cooked, and shopped together, and they both shared a passion for fashion and shoes. Gloria and Shawn were also great entertainers at home, hosting many wonderful dinners for family and friends. Cooking was Gloria's love language, and Shawn was always by her side as her sous chef, teasing her about how much he had taught her! Gloria also loved to laugh, as evidenced by the many TikTok videos she and Shawn made together. Gloria loved her children and extended family. Family was everything to her.

Outside of her husband and kids, she loved her grandson, JoJo Baker, endlessly. He was her heart, and she cherished the many weekends he spent with her and Pawpaw. She created many memories with him, including teaching him the Lord's Prayer, often singing with him to foster joy in worship, and working to get him to participate in the church's children's choir.

Beyond her many talents, Gloria was an anointed speaker, having spoken at many women's events throughout the greater Kansas City area. She was equally anointed as a singer and recording artist. She participated in the Sheffield Family Life Center Frontline worship team and has recorded one solo album, "I Believe," and one joint album, "The Derritt' Book of Hymns," with her husband. This early spring, they embarked on a regional tour for this project.

Gloria leaves behind to mourn her passing her loving husband, Dr. Shawn Derritt; her oldest son, Joseph Baker (Rizson Canady); her son, Tyrone Britt; her son, Alec Derritt (Abby Johnson); her baby boy, Malik Redmond; and her daughter, Yasmine "Mommy" Derritt. Grandson, JoJo Baker, brothers/Sisters, in-laws, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.