Gloria Thomas Ricci, age 74, of Lithia Springs, Georgia passed away Friday, June 9, 2023. She was born in Albertville, Alabama on December 13, 1948 to Lelon Thomas and the late Geneva Springfield Thomas. She graduated from Bremen Community High School in Illinois, and then she received her first nursing degree from Governors State University in Illinois. Gloria then earned her Masters and Doctorate degrees at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Gloria worked at Grady Hospital in Atlanta as a psychiatric nurse.

Gloria is survived by her father, Lelon Thomas; daughters, Heather McGuire (Jeff), Jessica Chastain (Sean), Stephanie Applegate (Ryan); grandchildren, Emily Lee, Kimberly McGuire, Madeline Hall, Harper Applegate, Amelia Applegate, Julia Chastain, Brianna Chastain.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Harlan Sawatski; her second husband, Joseph Ricci; and her mother, Geneva Springfield Thomas.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 15, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Hightower's Memorial Chapel in Douglasville.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023 at 10:00 AM in the chapel of the funeral home with Pastor Kevin McCoy officiating.

Interment will follow at Melrose Cemetery in Villa Rica with Pastor Tommy McGuire officiating at the graveside.

You may share your thoughts and condolences online at www.hightowersmemorial.com.

Hightower's Memorial Chapel of Douglasville has charge of the arrangements.