Gloria Pyle Neer

Gloria Pyle Neer went home to the Lord on March 14, 2023. A devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend, she is now resting in the arms of her Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

Born in Flint, Michigan in 1928 to Nelson Blair Pyle and Viola Stevenson Pyle, Gloria spent her growing up years in Middletown, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she fell in love with Howard Neer, a college classmate and high school friend. They were one another's first and only love. After graduating with a degree in marketing Gloria traveled the Midwest as a market researcher for Proctor and Gamble. She and Howard married and, when he finished medical school, the two headed south to begin their lives together on the west coast of warm and sunny south Florida. The year was 1954. Gloria and Howard set up his medical practice in their home; using their living room as the waiting room, their kitchen as the lab, and the spare bedroom as the patient exam room. They treated patients for everything from snake bites to broken limbs, pregnancy and many maladies in between.

Before too long they were ready to start their family and their first daughter, Cynthia Blair was born. Gloria and Howard decided that it was time for a move to Ft. Lauderdale where they would remain for the rest of their lives. Shortly thereafter their second daughter, Barbara Kay was born and their family was complete.

Gloria continued to support Howard in the medical office and worked as bookkeeper and office administrator for her entire career. Always one to pitch in, Gloria also served her community, her church, the medical profession and her daughter’s schools using her people skills, and talents for organization and leadership. Over the years she served in many positions of leadership at Sunset Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale, the Auxiliary to the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, the Auxiliary to the American Osteopathic Association, the Ft. Lauderdale Symphony Guild and was a member of the PEO.

But her greatest passion was her family. She was devoted to them and cherished the time they spent together. She and Howard loved to travel and often included their family on fabulous trips all over the world. Having moved to Florida for the warmer weather they took every opportunity to visit their favorite place, the Florida Keys, where they enjoyed boating, fishing, diving and spending time with friends. For over 60 years the family spent much wonderful, memory-making time at their second home in Key Colony Beach.

But Gloria, or “GoGo” as she was fondly known by her family and closest friends, will most be remembered for her warm, ever-present smile, her love and kindness, hospitality and generosity. She was neither judgmental nor opinionated but always loving and accepting of all who came into her life. Her legacy is one of LOVE.

Gloria was predeceased by her parents, her husband Howard, and her sister Ginger Ward. She is survived by her daughter Cindy Burkey (Greg) of Plantation, FL; grandson Robinson Burkey of Plantation, FL; daughter Barbara Heyward (Clinch) of Pawleys Island, SC; grandchildren Duncan Heyward (Eliza) of Richmond, VA; A.C. Heyward (Molly) of John’s Island, SC, Zan Heyward of Charleston, SC; Katherine Heyward of Charleston, SC and four great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held, 12 Noon, on Tuesday, March 21^st, at First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale, 401 SE 15^th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, and interment to follow in Lauderdale Memorial Park, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Memorials may be made in Gloria’s name to: “Trustbridge Hospice Foundation”, Trustbridge.com – scroll down to “donate now”. Arrangements entrusted to T. M. Ralph Funeral Homes (954) 587-6888 www.tmralph.com