Gloria Alaniz, born to Jesus Flores Alaniz and Isabelita Calderon on October 1, 1959, entered into Heaven on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the age of 58. She is preceded in death by her parents and son in law Martin Cuff. Gloria leaves behind her children Aisha & Max Rene Aparicio, April E. & David Andrew Galvan, CJ & Vanessa Ann Padron and Gloria's fiance Luis Robert Lara. Gloria was also blessed with her grandchildren Xavier Bleu, Harmony Bella, Symphony Scarlett, Cristelo "Chunnies" Martin and Elijah Louise. She also welcomed and loved with open arms her youngest adopted grandchildren Madisyn Lynn, Alina Ann and Max, Jr. and also helped guide the older ones, Chelsea Renee and Jennifer Josie. She was also survived by her siblings Juan Enrique, Janie & husband Pablo, Jesse Jr., Sylvia, Evangelina and Susie & husband Pastor Gregory as well as the father of her children, Cristelo Padron, Sr., numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, students and friends.

Gloria came into this world as a lively baby with golden curls and lit up the lives of her parents, brothers and sisters the day she came home. She was the captain of the Volleyball team at Leal middle school and was known for her powerful overhand serves, she would look to her granddaughters to continue her legacy in volleyball and say "you're going to be my volleyball player." She was a proud military wife traveling with her family stationed in Saudi Arabia, Washington State and Washington D.C. where she coached Volleyball as well for female volleyball teams.

She graduated from business school and went on to work in the medical insurance billing and coding field for 35 years. Gloria was a AAPC chapter president and later went on to teach her profession. As an instructor, she strived to help her students improve their lives and do their best to advance themselves. She always fought for the best out of everyone she met, she was an encouraging force in her students lives.

Gloria was an absolute joy to be around. When she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2016, her love for life and the Lord grew even larger, she loved ministering and giving her testimony to people. She attended White Robe Baptist Church with Pastor Gregory Harris, she would say, "I'm lucky, he's my Pastor AND my brother in law." Pastor Harris will do the honor of conducting her funeral services.

Gloria loved to travel to the coast and most recently Las Vegas and an amazing trip to Puerto Rico. Family was important to Gloria. Growing up, we remember gathering at grandma and grandpa's house for birthdays, football games and holidays; barbecuing, singing karaoke and laughing uncontrollably until late in the night. She cherished her time with all her siblings. She loved spending time with each of her children, they were best friends. Beginning with her oldest, Aisha, she would attend her concerts and was her biggest fan always at her gigs, cheering her on. She cherished her time with her youngest daughter April, attending church services and worshiping with her, everyday getting closer with the Lord. Her baby boy CJ made her proud when he joined the military and she loved traveling to meet up with him and his family. She shared the magic and passion of music with her children, April and Aisha would often sing together as young adults in talent shows and Gloria managed April in her Tejano music career spending many days and nights in the studio, eventually releasing a CD and coordinating many shows, often while, CJ was their back up dancer. April and Aisha both had hit songs played on the radio, she was very proud of them. Yet, most of all, Gloria LOVED spending time with her grandchildren, especially her two oldest, Xavier who she loved pranking and playing jokes with and her inseparable Harmony, she referred to her as her Queen and official "Minnie Me", always front row at her dance recitals, she was so proud of her. Each of her grandchildren were her world and Gloria took the time to see them whenever she could, whether it was having a girls day at the salon or taking them to the coast or the movies. She wanted each of them to know she loved them more than anything else in the world. She will be remembered as a Flawless Diva who loved her family and more importantly, her Lord. She is going to be dearly missed by everyone who was blessed to have known her.

Gloria's family will be receiving visitors on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Heritage Oaks Mortuary (2502 S. WW White Rd, San Antonio, TX 78222) from 4pm-9pm with a prayer service to be recited at 6:30pm. A Chapel service will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 11:00am with interment to follow at San Jose Burial Park.