Gloria Theresa "Tut" Bayard Truitt, 95, died peacefully Sunday, Feb 18, 2018, in the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Clinton, MS, where she lived the last 4 years.

She is survived by two daughters, Karen and husband Doug Fowler of Clinton, MS, and Brenda and husband David Donald of Lake Charles, LA; five grandchildren, Bryan (Rhonda) Fowler of Lilburn, GA, Shelley (Mack) McLeod of Brandon, MS, Brad (Jennifer) Fowler of Canton, GA, Seth (Amy) Donald of Lake Charles, LA, and Brooks (Tyler) Williams of Tuscaloosa, AL; eleven great-grandchildren, Erin, Emma, Truitt, Cole and Camden Fowler, Ross and Will McLeod, Mary Brooks, Eliza, and Mae Donald, and Griffin Williams.

Mrs. Truitt was preceded in death by her parents, Henry F. Bayard, Sr. and Eloise Bodin Bayard; her husband of 53 years, Norman Leon Truitt; sisters, Elda Mae Polito and Marjorie Boudreaux; brother, Henry F. Bayard, Jr; nieces, Mary Jane Mosco and Susan Wade, and nephew, Jody Boudreaux.

Gloria, born and raised in Franklin, LA, was a 1940 graduate of St. John's Academy and a 1945 graduate of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA, where she received her B.S. in Physical Education. She was elected Treasure of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, President of the Women's Council, President of the Physical Education Club, Gulf State Province Newman Club Federation, and was listed in "Who's Who" Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.

After World War II ended, she married her beloved decorated veteran and semi-pro baseball player, Norman, and moved to the Mississippi Delta (Minter City and Greenwood) where she lived most of her adult life. Mrs. Truitt worked as a case worker and supervisor of The Leflore County Welfare Department for thirty plus years.

She was a devout Catholic and an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, having attended mass daily, having served on the church Parish Council, and having served on the Hospital Visitation and "Cards-to-Shut In" committees for years. She was a member of a weekly rosary group in Jennings, LA, and the Birthday Club of Clinton, MS.  She was a member of Friends of Conttonlandia and a volunteer at Steven's Bar BQ where she was a known "fixture".  She loved to dance and travel.

Gloria was a sports enthusiast and loved following her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren's basketball, football, baseball, tennis, and soccer games, as well as band and choral concerts. She was the designated "Ball Girl" for the Costume Tennis Group.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the following caregivers; Dr. Lucius Sams, Delories Taylor, Coleen Camp, Virgie Murriel, and the staff of Kindrea Hospice.

Visitation will be held Saturday, Feb 24, 2018, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Greenwood, MS, from 9:00am till 11:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Interment will be in Odd fellows Cemetery under the direction of Wilson and Knight Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Bryan Fowler, Brad Fowler, Seth Donald, Mack McLeod, Tyler Williams, and Hayden Stubbs. Honorary Pallbearers will be Steven Goodwin and James Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Greenwood, MS.