My name is Gloria Bencomo Whidby, originally from Albuquerque New Mexico. I met my husband Donald Whidby, a Buford native, when he was stationed at the Air Force base in Albuquerque. I have lived in the south for 53 years. My husband and I have been very blessed to live in such a wonderful thriving community and our lives have been an adventure. We helped to found Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Buford in 1975. I served as Life Teen Youth Minister for 24 years. I retired from Buford Elementary School after 30 years of service in 2019, but came out of retirement and started working at Buford City Schools Central Offices 2 years ago. My Life Teen youth group helped to found a non-profit organization 20 years ago named Amigos for Christ.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
We have 3 adult children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, all educated in Buford City Schools.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My ministry with teenagers has been the most challenging highlight of my life. I have led 18 mission trips to Nicaragua, serving the poor through Amigos for Christ.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I LOVE Rico’s. Rico Cunnington was one of my teens in the Life Teen Program. Bare Bones, where one of my granddaughters works as a hostess is very good, too.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved around in the south with my husband’s job, but moved back to Buford permanently in 1982.My husband is an avid fisherman, and states he will never leave Lake Lanier again.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Vic Maloof, the Architect. He designed Prince of Peace Church in 1975. He has traveled and worked around the world. I love listening to his stories.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to one day go the the Holy Land. I have loved history all of my life and would love to one day follow in Jesus’ actual footsteps.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Wicked Tuna! I would love to fish off one of those boats one day, too.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
LISTEN to people’s stories. Don’t judge and love people unconditionally.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to continue the adventure as long as my life and age allows. I leave that to God because i never know what He’s up to next!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I love contemporary Christian music. But I also love Elvis and Adele music.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Sonia’s Tienda and Carniceria in Buford. It reminds me of the markets my mom took me to in Albuquerque. So authentic!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Vic Maloof and we would eat at Rico’s World Kitchen.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The diversity of our community. To my knowledge, I was the first Spanish speaking person in Buford, which is why I was recruited to work at Buford Elementary.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully, still here in Buford, but traveling abroad.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Barcelona, Spain. I love the food, culture and lifestyle. I stayed downtown and everything was within walking distance, especially the open food markets.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
March, as 5 of my favorite family members have March birthdays. It’s a celebration all month! I love Christmas the best.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Lake Lanier for it’s fishing and boating opportunities. Good restaurants on the water, too.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Mexican food smells, garlic, cilantro, etc.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, food, fellowship. My saying is, “If you feed them, they will come!”
