Obituary: Gloria Buckner-Truitt

Gloria Buckner-Truitt, of Freedom Village and formerly of Longboat Key, died Sept. 23. She was 86 years old.

Born Feb. 19, 1926, in Indianapolis, Mrs. Buckner-Truitt attended Shortridge High School and married George Buckner in 1951. She moved to Fort Wayne, Ind., where she was a homemaker and mother of three who was active in community theater and the Women’s Medical Auxiliary. She loved writing poetry and humorous articles and was published many times.

After the deaths of her husband and youngest son, Gregory, she married Milburn Truitt in 1990, and they moved to Longboat Key, where she continued to be active in arts and music circles.

Mrs. Buckner-Truitt immersed herself in her friends and mastered mahjongg after Mr. Truitt died in 1996. She also established Jazz Sunday at Longboat Island Chapel as a tribute to Mr. Truitt, a tradition that continues today.

Mrs. Buckner-Truitt is survived by her son, Michael Buckner, of Miami Beach; daughter, Deborah Buckner, of St. Augustine; and one grandson.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Buckner-Truitt’s name to the Humane Society of Manatee County, 2515 14th St. W., Bradenton, Fla., 34205.