Gloria Poss

Gloria Holland Poss, age 93, of Cumming passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
She was a member of Cumming Baptist Church where she sang in the choir for many years. Gloria was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved the Lord, her family, friends, and students. Gloria Holland was born in the Shady Grove community of Forsyth County. She graduated from Gainesville High School in 1950. She earned a BA in Chemistry from Brenau College and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity. She then received her Master’s in Math Education from North Georgia College. She was married to James Joel Poss for 57 years.

Her 33-year career began in 1954 at Cumming High School, teaching general science and mathematics. She moved to Forsyth County High School in 1955 teaching chemistry. After having children, she returned to teaching, focusing on mathematics. She taught the first AP Calculus course in Forsyth County. Gloria was selected as STAR Teacher by nine FCHS STAR Students and served as mathematics department chair for many years. She spent many hours after school tutoring anyone who needed additional help. Gloria’s passion was always to help students love learning, especially in mathematics and science. Additionally, she served as Y-Club Advisor for 25 years. She taught leadership skills and the importance of giving back through community service. While serving as Y-Club Advisor, she worked with many students in leadership roles as state and district officers, including Youth Assembly. She will lovingly be remembered as a trailblazer of her time and a steward of education.

She is survived by her children, Marjorie Poss, Joanne and Scott Tolleson, and Suzanne and Russ Clark all of Cumming; granddaughters, Catherine and Tyler Watford of Marietta, Caroline and Stephen Battin and Allison Clark of Cumming; sister-in-law, Tommy Ann Poss of Cumming; sister-in-law Betty Orr Holland and many other nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 8th at 2:00 pm at Cumming Baptist Church with Rev. Greg Tallant Rector, Holy Trinity Parish Decatur, GA (FCHS Class 1987 & Y-Club State President 1985-86) and Alice Holland officiating. Interment will follow in Sawnee View Memorial Gardens with Rev. Mark Wood presiding. The family will receive friends at McDonald and Son Funeral Home on Thursday 4 pm until 8 pm and Friday at Cumming Baptist Church from 11am until time of service.