Gloria Sneed Herring Bessent, 57, of Palatka, transitioned into eternal rest on Monday, Sept. 17, 2012 at Shands of UF, Gainesville. A native and lifelong resident of Palatka, she was born on Saturday, Sept. 25, 1954. The daughter of John Sneed and Lillie Mae Walker, she was a 1972 graduate of Central Academy High School. Subsequently, she earned an associate degree from St. Johns River Junior College and also attended Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach. From her early childhood, she became a member of Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Gloria dedicated 30 years of loyal service to the Putnam County School District as a teacher's aide at Robert H. Jenkins Middle School in Palatka. She was also the founder and sponsor of "Etiquettely You" and "Young Men with Purpose" (school-based clubs). Gloria, with her beautiful smile, enjoyed sewing, drawing, barbering and mentoring young people. Gloria was preceded in eternal rest by her parents, Mr. John Sneed and Lillie Mae Walker. Those who treasure her loving memories: husband, Rowland Bessent; son, Henry Herring III; sisters, Annie R. Miller; Bertha Lee (Samuel) Passmore; Valaria Murray, all of Palatka; Phyllis Johnson; Sylvia Cooper; Brenda Buxton, all of Jacksonville; aunts, Mae Etta (George) Kirkland, Fort Pierce; Rose Merritt, Palatka; like sisters, Dorothy Faye Thomas, Orlando; Deborah Grooms, Palatka and a host of other relatives and caring friends. Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24 at the "Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing celebration will be 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, (in honor of her 58th birthday) at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Ave., Palatka. Rev. Anthony Q. Robinson Sr., pastor of Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, is officiating. Rev. Dr. Andrew McRae, pastor of Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Gainesville, is the eulogist. Interment will be in Oak Hill East Cemetery.