It is with extremely heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Glenda White Gier (affectionately known as “Gigi”), who went home to be with the Lord on December 7, 2025, after a short but fiercely aggressive fight against a rare form of Mesothelioma. She passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Though our hearts ache, we are grateful for the beautiful legacy she leaves behind—a legacy of strength, generosity, faith, resilience, and joy.

Glenda was born in Decatur, Alabama, and carried her Southern warmth with her throughout her life. She graduated from Lee College (now Lee University) in Cleveland, Tennessee, earning her B.A. in English—a reflection of her love for stories, learning, and thoughtful conversation.

In her early years, she served faithfully alongside her then-husband in ministry, pouring her heart into helping others and living a life guided by compassion. That same spirit led her to St. Louis, Missouri, where she began what would become a long career in real estate, ultimately owning her own Century 21 franchise. Later, she transitioned into mortgage and commercial lending, and eventually explored other passions in sales, teaching, and service—including roles as a loan officer, music teacher, casino floor manager, supplemental education services, and, most recently, at the Missouri Department of Health. Helping people was simply who she was, and no matter the job title, she found joy in walking alongside others as they pursued their dreams.

Glenda possessed many gifts and talents, but generosity was at the core of her being. She was one of the most giving people we have ever known, someone who would hand over the shirt off her back or her last penny if she believed it would help someone. Throughout the years, she opened her home to families who had nowhere to go for holidays or even for a place to live. Kindness wasn’t something she practiced occasionally—it was her way of life.

In her younger years, Glenda was a vibrant social butterfly, surrounded by friends and deeply connected relationships. As many of those cherished friends preceded her in death, she missed them dearly. Yet even through great trials and challenges, she showed grit and determination as she worked tirelessly to provide for her daughters.

She loved her people deeply and fiercely. Time with her daughters and their families brought her the greatest joy, and her bond with her grandchildren was something truly special. We often teased that she was “a little bit crazy and a whole lotta fun”—and she would have joyfully agreed. She was always up for an adventure, from spontaneous road trips to her whirlwind journey to England where she met the love of her life, Herbert (“Papa Bert”) Godden. They shared 25 wonderful years together, eventually settling near her older daughter in Washington, Missouri, where they were well connected in the community.

When Bert passed in late 2021, Mom began a new chapter, moving across the state to Kansas City to be near her younger daughter’s family. It was there she met her next love, Richard Gier, with whom she shared a beautiful—though far too brief—season of companionship and joy.

She also had a sparkle—literally and figuratively. She loved her jewelry and getting dressed up, proudly joking about her fondness for “flash and gaud.” She was always sure to have her nails done, often stealing her daughter’s polish color and claiming it as her own. A pampering day of mani/pedis was always an easy “yes” for her.

Above all else, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was unbelievably proud of her daughters, sons-in-law, and six grandchildren. She shared a special, lifelong bond with her sister Angie; the two spent countless hours talking on the phone, sharing stories, laughter, and life. Her impact on all who knew her was one of kindness, acceptance, and fun. She loved laughter, she loved connection, and she loved her people deeply. The void she leaves in our hearts is immeasurable.

Glenda is survived by her daughters, Kari (Jared) Klenke of Washington, MO, and Kelli (Ryan) Johnson of Kansas City, MO; her beloved grandchildren Savannah, Victoria, Miranda, Chandler, Sydney, and Drace; her husband Richard Gier of Kansas City, MO; and her siblings Pat Flint of Mobile, AL; Angie Narron of Decatur, AL; Debra Odom, AL; and Steve Odom, AL. She is also survived by dear friends who loved her well, including her cherished friend Barb Zeitler of St. Louis, MO.

She was preceded in death by Douglas Salisbury, the father of her children; her devoted late husband, Herbert (“Bert”) Godden; her mother, Doris Jean Burgess; her father, Bobby White; and many beloved friends who greeted her in Heaven.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, December 19th at 1:00 p.m. at Tiffany Springs Senior Living, where friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the remarkable woman she was. If you are comfortable, we invite you to honor Glenda by wearing something that sparkles—just as she always did.

Mom, thank you for every sacrifice, every lesson, every laugh, and every moment of love. This isn’t goodbye… it’s “see you later.” We will carry you with us always.