Obituary of Leauna Martin Gloyne

Surrounded by her family and friends, Leauna “Tootsie” Martin Gloyne, age 63 of the Birdtown Community went on to her Heavenly home on Friday, April 22, 2022, and was reunited with her loved ones that had passed on before her. Tootsie was a member of the Cherokee Baptist Church; she was saved by the Grace of God and was a devout Christian who never failed to give all the praise and glory to God throughout her sickness and in life; she prayed fervently for her family and taught her children the power of faithful prayer reminding them that the God on the mountain is still God in the valley. Tootsie attended Cherokee High School and graduated from Western Carolina University. She and Jack first became house parents at the Cherokee Children’s Home, and later she was the first certified Administrative Assistant for the program. Her love and passion for the children, inspired her to obtain her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Moving on in her career, she became the Director of VOC where she was instrumental in securing the property where it is located today. From VOC, she became the first enrolled member to be employed by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, where she retired as the Benefits and Compensation Manager. Upon her retirement, she enjoyed traveling and watching her grandchildren participate in sporting events. She celebrated every milestone they achieved and was their biggest fan. She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Jack Elwood Gloyne and children Andy Gloyne, Sheila Brown (Bobby), and Sarah Teesateskie and husband Tommy. Tommy and Bobby held a special place in her heart and she was forever grateful for their love and devotion to the family. Grandchildren: Jacob Wildcatt (Kaitlyn), Lucas Brown, Logan Teesateskie and wife Kyla, Tori Teesateskie, Jack Jack Teesateskie, Emily Rae Teesateskie; Great Grandchildren: Ayla Winter Wildcatt, Javian Wildcatt, Niyah Tisho, Quincy Tisho, Addisyn Teesateskie, Thea Teesateskie, and Keldon Gary Teesateskie; Special children to the family: Benny, Shorty and Jody Kirkland. She is also survived by Aunt Gwendolynn Wildcatt, Tinker Sampson, and Babe Sampson. Tootsie is preceded in death by her parents: Jesse Thomas and Elsie Sampson Martin. Sons: William Mercer Kirkland and Thomas Driver; Brother: Gary Martin; Sisters: Sally Martin and Cheryl Garner; Aunts: Lilly Wolfe, Mickie Garner, Jo B Kalonheskie, Lawanda Maney, Tunney Catt, and Uncle: Duff Sampson. Pall Bearers: Cody Gloyne, John Henry Gloyne, Mike Bradley, Johnny Wildcatt, Jose Rodriguez, Tyler Toineeta, Anthony Smith, David Jumper, Ernest Tiger, Catuce Tiger, and Tighe Wachacha. Honorary Pall Bearers: Noah Wachacha, Leon Sampson, Delbert Sampson, Jerry Dean Sampson, and Benny Swayney. A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at the Cherokee Baptist Church beginning at 6:00pm until 10:00pm. A formal funeral service will begin at 11:00am the following day. Long House Funeral Home assisted the Family with final arrangements.