Obituary

Gloria Jean Williams Lupo 

March 21, 1946 — October 25, 2026

Gloria Jean Williams Lupo, age 80 and a resident of Franklinton, LA, passed from this life October 25, 2026 at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Bogalusa. She was born March 21, 1946, to James McKelvin Williams and Dorothy Nelson Williams.

A graveside burial service will be held Tuesday, October 27 at 2pm at Ponemah Cemetery.

Gloria was an honor graduate of Bogalusa High School Class of 1964. In high school she participated in the Glee Club and Drama Club, having the lead in "The Story of Anne Frank". After pursuing drama, art, and graduating Southeastern, Hammond, in 1968, she attended the University of Oregon at Eugene for a year in 1970.

Returning to make her home in Hammond, she was a part of the community theater productions, often having the lead role. She worked as a journalist, writer, and photographer for various newspapers, including the Era-Leader at Franklinton in later years. Gloria was also a talented artist and singer.

She married Philip Lupo and they traveled, relocating with employment in different states including Colorado, North Carolina, and Washington, D. C. Wherever they called home, Gloria would take classes at a college, always making an opportunity to acquire knowledge.

Gloria was a skilled writer. After heading the drive to establish a Friends of Washington Parish Library in 2006, she was voted president and began plans to publish a book containing stories and tales of the parish. Within less than a year, with Gloria as Editor, the book was published in 2008 containing both colored and black and white photos with over 100 entertaining and historical short stories and tales penned by more than 60 writers.

"Washington Parish Tales" sold over 500 copies. It is a unique revelation of some of the early years of settlement, but not limited to that period. All proceeds from sales were given to the Parish Library system to be used at libraries in Franklinton, Bogalusa, Enon, and Thomas.

Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Dot Williams; two sisters, Carol Williams Baughman and Winifred Williams Crain Johnson; three nephews, Kelvin Baughman, Greg Crain, and Three Blake; three brothers in law, Clint Blake, Allen Johnson, and Joe Johnson; and one sister in law, Sarah Evans Williams. She is survived by her husband, Philip B. Lupo of Franklinton; one brother, Jesse M. Williams of Zachary, LA; one sister, Sylvia Blake Johnson of Summit, MS; a special niece, Tina Breland of Bogalusa, LA, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family appreciates your remembrance of Gloria, In lieu of flowers please send donations to the library or other charity of your choice.