Gloria Swanson Diggs Milner was born on November 28, 1926, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, to James Clayton Diggs and Anna Lee Gidney Diggs. She was the second of three absolutely marvelous siblings: the late James Clayton Diggs Jr. and the late Melo Catherine Myers.
Gloria Swanson received her formal education in Rockingham, North Carolina. After graduating from high school, she attended Beauty College in Durham, North Carolina, where she met her husband of over 67 years. To this union came nine children. Shortly thereafter, her husband returned to military service in the Navy, which required her as a dedicated Navy wife to constantly relocate up and down the eastern coast of the United States, eventually being stationed in San Diego, California. Upon SCPO Ernest H. Milner’s retirement from Naval Service, she received a personal commendation from the Commanding Officer for her consistent loyal and dedicated support to her husband throughout his outstanding Naval career.
Gloria Swanson came to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age. After arriving in San Diego, she affiliated with Encanto Southern Baptist Church and was a devoted member of the church for over 50 years. She loved her church family and did everything that she could to support the ministry. She sang in the choir and served on many boards and auxiliaries during her tenure there. Additionally,
she along with her husband, conducted weekly worship services for the patients and
staff at the Brighton Place Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego, California. She enjoyed
spreading the gospel and LOVED PRAISING THE LORD.
Gloria Swanson loved her family and friends unconditionally. She was an exceptionally loyal, kind, dedicated, and trustworthy individual who often spoke of the importance of family and friends, emphasizing the importance of having a “together loving” family with no division.
Gloria Swanson passed away at Balboa Naval Hospital on January 17, 2024.
Gloria Swanson was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Harris Milner Sr., her son Ronald Milner, her grandson Larry Donald Milner Jr., her nephew James Clayton Diggs III, son in law Pastor Robert Covington, and daughter in law Tammi Milner.
Gloria Swanson leaves to cherish her memory eight children; daughters Sylvia Covington and Flora M Slaughter (Louis), sons Ernest H. Milner, Norman V. Milner (Praise), Floyd E. Milner (Cher), Eric K. Milner (Paula), Larry D.Milner (Vivian), and James C. Milner.
Gloria Swanson also leaves to cherish her memory a host of friends, 39 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, 2 nephews, and 4 nieces, all who treated her so kindly. She loved each of them so dearly.
Gloria Swanson additionally leaves a very special thank you to her daughter in law Vivian Milner for the dedicated support and care over the past eight years.
Services for Gloria Milner will be at Encanto Southern Baptist Church at 10:30AM on March 8th. Interment will be at Miramar National Cemetery following the service.
