Gloria Gamblin

Gloria Gamblin, aged 73, of Pittsburg, CA died peacefully on February 21, 2026 with her son and daughter-in-law by her side.

Gloria was born on January 2, 1953, in Pittsburg, CA to Henry Boyd Gamblin and Pearl Lee Blanchard Gamblin.  Gloria began her college career at the University of California at Berkeley during the Vietnam era.  She was active in the political landscape of the time supporting the Black Panther movement in the Bay Area to bring equality to people of color and indigenous people.  She began her professional career in the Finance department at UC Berkeley working as a clerk.  She ascended to the position of Assistant Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer at Oakland Unified School District, Martinez Unified School District, Mt. Diablo Unified, and the district that educated her, Pittsburg Unified School District.  She attained the position without a college degree.  She rose through the ranks through competence, determination, and dedication.  Ever dedicated to education, Gloria eventually obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Holy Names College in Oakland.  She waited to obtain her college degree until she ensured her son had completed his college education at Stanford University.  Gloria was a dedicated mother, grandmother, sister, friend, colleague, and a phenomenal woman.

Gloria is survived by her son, Gary Bostick II, daughter-in-law, Ana Bostick, grandchildren: Nzinga, Esmeralda, Santiago, Joshua, Marcelo, and Ariana, sisters, Linda, Brenda, Paulette, and Carolyn, and brothers, Johnny and Derrick. 

Gloria will be deeply missed by all those whose life she has touched.  We are all a little bit better for having known her.

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