Gloria (Arnold) Taylor

Ms. Gloria Arnold Key Taylor passed Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Funeral Services will be held 1 PM on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Liberty Baptist Church 395 Chamberlain Street SE Atlanta, Rev. Zeddie D. Scott, Pastor, Officiating, Evang. Tomeka Walton, Eulogist. Viewing will take place on Friday, April 4, 2025 from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Donehoo-Lewis Funeral Home 736 S. Central Ave Hapeville. The family will receive friends from 7 PM- 8 PM.  Please keep the family in prayer.

Born Gloria Dean Arnold on May 6, 1949, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Marvin L. Arnold Sr. and Melvia L. Arnold, Gloria was the fourth of seven siblings. She was a devoted member of Liberty Baptist Church, where she sang in the gospel choir for many years. A strong presence in her community, Gloria was an active participant in school activities and proudly served as a cheerleader at Carver High School, where she graduated in 1967.

In May of 1969, Gloria was united in marriage to the late Oliver Key at Liberty Baptist Church. From this union, two sons were born: Olivetti Key and Elton Key. After high school, Gloria pursued higher education at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA.  She also was a part of the Morris Brown Marching band as a Majorette. In the Spring of 1972,  Gloria successfully earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Gloria’s determination and drive to succeed were evident early in her career. Less than six months after graduating, she began working at City Hall in the Employee Pensions Division, where she served as a clerk and managed the issuance of savings bonds. Always striving to grow professionally, Gloria later attended real estate school and earned her real estate license.

In 1982, Gloria took her career to the next level when she co-founded First Class Realty, Inc. alongside her partner, Sally Gardner. Sally left in 1985 and Gloria continued to grow First Class Realty into the powerhouse Realty leader of the industry.  The business thrived for over 37 years, with Gloria becoming a respected leader in the real estate industry. Her professional affiliations included the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the Georgia Board of Realtors, and she also served as President of the Empire Board of Realtists. Additionally, Gloria was also the president of the Women's Council of Realtors.

Gloria was not only a successful professional but also a beloved matriarch within her family. She was known for her warmth and hospitality, hosting family cookouts and organizing holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Her generosity extended beyond her family, as she also hosted annual company picnics and Christmas parties for the employees and past and present clients of First Class Realty, Inc.

In 1988, Gloria married Eudy Taylor, and from this union, she was blessed with a daughter, Melvia Taylor.

Gloria’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her children: Olivetti "Scuba" Key, Elton "Big E" Key, and Melvia "Little Mel" Taylor; her grandchildren: Bryson Key and Zachary Taylor; and her siblings: Marvin L. Arnold Jr. (Charlene), Larry L. Arnold, James E. Arnold (Linda), Freddie A. Arnold, Mary A. Johnson, and Brenda A. Brown. She also leaves behind lifelong friends, Jessie Lovett and Anna Cohen.

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