Glorious Elaine Caldwell Qualles, affectionally known as “Gloria, was born on February 12, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late William and Hattie Caldwell. On April 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family, Gloria received her heavenly wings. She was the fourth of eleven siblings, raised in a home built by her father’s own hands – a home rooted in love, discipline, faith, and community.

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With profound love and reverence, we honor the extraordinary life of Captain Glorious Elaine Caldwell Qualles, RN-a devoted nurse, trailblazing veteran, passionate advocate, and the heartbeat of her family. Her life was one of unwavering purpose and remarkable impact, defined by fierce dedication to serving others.

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On Marc 3, 1967, Gloria married the love of her life, Roger Qualles. Together, they built a legacy of love and resilience, raising four beautiful daughters.

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Gloria began her distinguished nursing career in 1971, serving in the bustling emergency rooms of Morrisania and Jacobi Hospitals. In 1976, she joined Queens Hospital Center, where she quickly became known as a fierce patient advocate and nurturing mentor to young nurses. Her nursing career spanned over 42 years, and she retired in 2013, leaving behind an enduring mark of compassion, leadership, and excellence.

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In 1989, Gloria extended her service to her country by joining the United States Army Reserve Nurse Corp. As a member of the 344th General Hospital (later 344th Combat Support Hospital), she played critical roles in hospital operations, soldier training, and leadership, serving honorably until her retirement in 2002.

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Beyond healthcare and military service, Gloria was tireless advocate for justice and equity. She was a powerful voice in Albany and Washington, D.C., championing healthcare access, affordable housing, pay equity, and civil rights. She believed deeply in civic engagement and worked tirelessly to empower future generations.

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An avid lover of the arts, Gloria never missed an Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre performance and attended countless theater productions. Her passion for travel took her across the world, inspiring others to embrace new cultures and experiences along the way. Gloria also loved to shop and had an impeccable sense of style-cherishing dressing up for every occasion, always radiating elegance, grace, and confidence.

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Captain Qualles was a proud life member of the National Association of Black Military Women and served as President of the Nurses Association of the Counties of Long Island (NACLI). She also held the leadership roles within the Theta Chi Chapter, Inc.ChEta Phi Sorority, Inc. and actively contributed to the American Nurse Association (ANA) ANA-NY, ANA-PAC, the Greater New York, Nassau, Suffolk Organization for Nursing Leadership (GNYNSONL), the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), and the NAACP. She was also a dedicated supporter of the Smithsonian Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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Gloria was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roger; her parents; and her siblings Gladys, Elijah, Dale, and Jacqueline. She leaves behind a loving family to carry forward her memory and life’s work; her daughters Sheilonda, Tracy, Leslie, and Audre Qualles-Johnson her son-in-law Harrison Johnson; her cherished grandchildren Darien, Jamay, Harrison, Jr. Victoria, and Alexander; and her great-grandchildren Darien Jr., Nasir, Romeo, Nya, and Drais. She is also survived by her siblings Wanda, Carmen, Felicia, William, Lonnie, and Lorenzo, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and dear friends.

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Captain Glorious Elaine Caldwell Qualles, R.N. lived a life defined by service, strength, and boundless compassion. Her shining legacy of advocacy, community service, and love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed, eternally honored, and forever remembered.