Loretta W. Gamble

On December 26, 2020 Loretta W. Gamble peacefully transitioned to the Lord. She was born on October 24, 1955 in Washington D.C. to her surviving mother Bernice Walker and her late father Clinton Walker. She attended DC public schools and later graduated from Eastern high School the class of 1973. She was baptized at Brown Memorial AME Church at a young age where she is a member. She met and married James Richards and from that union she had a son Jamahr Richards. Thirteen years later she had a bouncing baby girl Tiara Smith with Walter Smith. Her marriage to the late Lamar Gamble ended in divorce. She started her career when she entered the Marion Barry Mayor summer youth program in 1973 right after high school as a temporary worker in the federal government at General Services Administration. They later offered her a permanent position working in the clerks staffing office in the HR department. She retired in 2013 from the Nations Capitol Region (NCR) after an exemplary 40 years of federal service, all at GSA. She continued to work several contracting positions after her retirement until her health failed her. She was known as the Master Staffing Specialist and loved evaluating qualifications. She was known as the “Queen of Quals”. Our mother was a member of the singing group “Just 3” where they would enter several talent contests, churches and building dedications. They were actually selected to perform the National Anthem at the last Bullets game in 1995. She loved to cook but one of famous dishes was her deviled eggs. She would be so proud to make her eggs for a special occasion at work or a party. Her smile and laugh were so contagious, you would have no choice but to have a good time around her. She told it like it was but was sweet as pie, she would give a person her last if they needed it. Around the neighborhood she was known as the neighborhood mom and people would just stop by and say hi.. She was also known for her vibrant blonde hair, stylish clothes, flawless makeup and her animal prints. One of her favorite places was Wayson’s Bingo Hall where she loved to play the game faithfully. One of her favorite shows was the “Young and the Restless” which she and her mother both enjoyed. Jamahr was her first born. She often would find comfort in his hugs and would light up with that infectious smile when she saw him coming. Tiara was her baby girl who she loved and considered a friend that she could depend on to be by her side. Our mother was our rock, confidant, a friend, a financial advisor, teacher and our motivator. We could not ask for a better mom. She Loved us and we Loved her!! Loretta doted on her grandchildren, they would spend time on the weekends going to restaurants, malls and anywhere else they wanted to go just so they would be happy. She was a great friend to many and always willing to lend a helping hand where it was needed. She is preceded by her loving father Clinton Walker and her granddaughter Janaye’ Richards. She leaves to cherish her loving family her mother Bernice Walker, a brother Herbert Walker, a son Jamahr Richards (Katie), a daughter Tiara Smith, 4 grandchildren Khyree Richards, Jaylen Richards, Aiden DaCosta and Jamaar Taylor . She also leaves behind her God children Tiana Proctor and Janae Cornish who she loved very much. Friends may unite with the family on Thursday, January 7, 2021 from 9:00 am until time of Life Celebration at 11:00 am at the BRISCOE-TONIC FUNERAL HOME located at 2294 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, MD. Interment will follow at Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, MD.LIVE STREAM LINK
https://youtu.be/IK0NQ6JP_Lk

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