The community comes together to celebrate the life of Gloria Howard Free.
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The city of Asheville grieves the passing of Gloria Howard Free, known as ‘Lady Gloria,’ who dedicated her life to community service. At 91, her legacy, including founding the Asheville Goombay Festival, will leave an enduring impact on the community. A celebration of life service was held to honor her contributions and positive spirit.
The vibrant city of Asheville is mourning the loss of a cherished community leader, Ms. Gloria Howard Free, affectionately known as “Lady Gloria.” She passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 91, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that the community will forever cherish.
Born on June 17, 1933, Gloria grew up in Asheville, a city that became a pivotal part of her story. As the daughter of Mary Weaver, lovingly known as “Sister Weaver,” and Hazel Herman Howard, Gloria was instilled with a deep appreciation for her community from a young age. Her educational journey began at Stephens-Lee High School, from which she graduated in 1951.
As a teenager, Gloria gained her first job at the YMI Drugstore, located on the bustling corner of Eagle and Market Streets, affectionately referred to as “the Block.” This experience was foundational, exposing her to a diverse array of customers and allowing her radiant spirit to shine.
Gloria pursued higher education at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, earning her degree in English and Spanish in 1955. With a passion for teaching, she returned to Asheville to impact young minds as an English and Spanish teacher in the local schools, including South French Broad and Stephens-Lee high schools.
Her academic journey didn’t stop there; Gloria continued her education at Western Carolina University, ultimately becoming a certified speech therapist for Asheville City Schools and the broader western North Carolina region.
Active in her community, Gloria was also a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Demonstrating her commitment to cultural heritage, she co-founded the Friends of the YMI Cultural Center, showcasing her dedication to preserving Asheville’s rich cultural roots. However, her biggest claim to fame might very well be the inception of the Asheville Goombay Festival.
Inspired after attending Goombay Night during a Caribbean trip in 1974, Gloria sought to bring a festival celebrating African and African American culture to Asheville. The first Asheville Goombay Festival was held in 1982, and since then, it has flourished into a much-anticipated event filled with art, music, food, and a joyful celebration of heritage.
Gloria was widely respected not only for her accomplishments but also for her warm and uplifting personality. She had a unique way of connecting with people, often greeting acquaintances as “Wonder Woman” or “Wonder Man.” Her direct communication style, combined with a spirit of gratitude and joy, made her a beloved figure in the community.
Her friends and family describe her as a quintessential thinker, action-oriented doer, wise guide, and, above all, a lover of life. Gloria was particularly active in her neighborhood near the West End Clingman Avenue Neighborhood (WECAN), where her influence was felt deeply.
As a testament to her impact, the Haywood Street Community Development Group will proudly name the upcoming affordable housing apartments in Asheville the Lady Gloria Ridge Community. Set to open in November 2025, this initiative honors her dedication to improving the lives of others.
The community came together on March 8, 2025, for a moving Celebration of Life service held at the Center for Spiritual Living in Asheville. Friends, family, and admirers gathered to pay their respects and reminisce about a life devoted to service, love, and culture.
Although Gloria Howard Free has left this world, her spirit and contributions will live on in the hearts of those she touched and the community she so passionately served. Asheville will always remember her as a beacon of light and strength.
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