Dying at home, Kathy Gloyd went to be with our Lord on October 5, 2024. A victim of pancreatic cancer, her death was not unanticipated, but her loss was devastating to her family located in London, England and throughout the United States. Born in Port Arthur, Texas to James and Regina Shaw, she leaves behind her husband Joe and son James Todd Stewart of Wilmington, Delaware; her brother James (Sheila) Shaw, of Canton, Texas, three stepdaughters, Cindy (Robert) Guy of Polson, Montana, Julie Henion, Wheatland, Wyoming, and Cathy (Ron) Hagman of Wheatland, Wyoming; seven grandchildren and their spouses and children, Joe (Ira) Guy and son Orion of London, England, Kitty (Kelly) Peterson of Seattle, Washington; Ashley Hagman and daughter Hope of Wheatland, Wyoming, Cody Hagman of Wheatland, Wyoming, Jeremy (Savanna) Henion of Mead, Colorado; Jerah (Jacob) Nix , sons Graham, Juan, Jack, and daughter Claire of Chugwater, Wyoming, and Jaci (Brian) Cruz and son Eli of Plantation, Florida.
Kathy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas in 1973, a Bachelor of Science in 1975, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University in 1976.
Dr. Shaw was in private practice from 1976 -1983 in St. Petersburg, Florida where she was also the Director of the Veterinary Technology Program from 1980-1983. From 1983-1984, she was Professional Services Manager, Hill’s Pet Nutrition. She served as Vice President of Veterinary Learning Systems from 1984-1997.
In 1991, she married Dr. Joe S. Gloyd and changed her name to his. They had a son, James Todd Stewart Gloyd, who graduated from Georgia Tech with a PhD in Aerospace Engineering in 2023. He is now employed by NASA.
With her husband, she cofounded Gloyd Group, Inc. in 1997. The company later became Elevate DVM, Inc. The firm served a wide range of industrial, academic, and professional organizations related to veterinary medicine. Kathy’s relationship with friends, family and colleagues was always close and lasting. She kept track of those she knew as well as members of their families. She never “burnt a bridge” with former associates. Her philosophy was that friendship, hopefulness, and love beat grumpiness, envy, cynicism and dislike every time.
The members of Kathy’s small company were dedicated, loyal, and talented individuals which she knew from St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Veterinary Learning Systems and industrial firms. Kathy’s employees, located all over the United States, communicated once a week by phone and constantly via the internet. A virtual office before work at home became popular. Under Kathy’s direction, her employees, working as friends under Christian principles were expected to put family obligations first but, nevertheless, complete projects by deadlines. It worked for 23 years!
Kathy’s firm completed some 732 projects in its 23 years. Those projects included publications, conference proceedings, scientific programs for veterinary conferences sponsored by pharmaceutical and pet food companies, association management, strategic and long range planning, video projects and presentations, and IT support for employees.
Kathy, along with Dr. Teresa Lightfoot, a fellow veterinarian, wrote the first criteria for RACE regulations for approval of CE programs accepted by state boards of Veterinary Medicine. She assisted in founding and was first director of the Companion Animal Parasitic Council (CAPC). From 2009-2020, Kathy was Executive Director of the American Heartworm Society (AHS). For many years, Kathy was moderator for sponsored programs at national and international veterinary conferences where top flight academicians presented cutting-edge information to veterinary practitioners. As a result, Kathy absorbed and retained a broad knowledge of nearly every aspect of veterinary medicine.
Kathy and her husband retired in 2021 but kept in contact with many social and professional friends. Her lifelong membership in the Methodist Church began in early childhood when her older brother James and parents went to the Port Arthur Methodist Calvary Temple “every time the doors were open”! Her 32 years in St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Wilmington, Delaware were filled with full participation in council, committees, usher, choir, and small group membership.
Memorial services for Kathy will take place at 11 am October 26, 2024, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, where friends by call after 10 am. Burial will be private. Another memorial will take place at a later date at the Gloyd’s cabin, 10 Alta Vista Circle, Wheatland, Wyoming.
Joe and Todd have a few requests for Kathy’s memorial service. First, Kathy was adamant she didn’t want a somber sendoff; in honor of that, the memorial will be a celebration of her life and memory, and we ask attendees to please wear bright colors, if you are able. Second, Todd requests each attendee please write a response to one or more of the suggestions below and bring your response to the memorial. Please feel encouraged to provide multiple responses to the same option, if you desire. Responses can also be sent before the memorial to the email address below.
Requests for response:
- Something that would make Kathy laugh.
- An example of Kathy’s personality or behavior you want to cultivate in yourself.
- A memory of Kathy you want to keep forever.
Email: dr.k.gloyd.memorial@pm.me
Contributions in Kathy’s memory will be gratefully received by St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1314 Foulk Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19803.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
