Gloria Ann Jones

Gloria Ann Jones was born on July 27, 1949, at Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital in Manhattan, New York, to the proud parents of the late Irvin Jones Sr. and Evelyn I. Jones. She was the third of five children. Gloria was raised in Corona, Queens, New York, where she spent many cherished years surrounded by family, love, and lasting memories. During her childhood, Gloria often visited her beloved grandparents, the late Deacon Joe N. Jones and Annie B. Jones, in Brunswick, Georgia, during the summer. While visiting Brunswick in the 1960s, her grandfather took Gloria and her sister Velma to First Friendship Baptist Church, where they were both baptized.

Gloria was an excellent student. She didn’t go to a regular high school but was accepted into the prestigious Mable Dean Baker Vocational School of Studies, where she completed her academic studies while also earning her LPN in nursing. Her passion for helping others led her into a successful career of 32 years in healthcare. Outside of her career, Gloria was full of personality, humor, and love. She had a creative eye for decorating and designing and could make something beautiful out of almost anything. Gloria was also known as a superb cook whose meals brought comfort and joy to everyone around her.

Her favorite color was purple — and if it could be made purple, that’s exactly how she wanted it. Gloria’s sassy talk and bold personality could either make you laugh or leave you speechless; “take it how you want it” was simply the Gloria way. She loved a good joke and could return one just as quickly. Gloria was one of the most generous people you could meet. If she had it and you needed it, her response was often, “You can have it.” She loved helping others, especially the elderly and those in need, and she gave from the heart without expecting anything in return.

She shared an incredibly strong and magnetic bond with her beloved daughter, Evelyn, a connection that could never be broken. Gloria was also an animal lover to the fullest and would often say, “I’ll take animals over humans any day.” One of the greatest loves of her life was her great-grandson, Ju’siah, her “main man,” whom she adored deeply and fiercely protected. Anyone who knew Gloria knew how much love she had for him, and he loved her just as strongly in return.

On May 8, 2026, Gloria peacefully departed this life at home, surrounded by her beloved daughter, Evelyn Wallace, and Terrence Gilliard Sr. Gloria’s wish was to be at home in peace when she passed, and that wish was granted. Gloria leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Evelyn Wallace of Brunswick, GA; future son-in-law, Terrence Gilliard, Sr. of Brunswick, GA; three beloved grandchildren, Keiona Thorpe of Brunswick, GA, Anteneya Kirksey of Flushing, NY, and Anthony “TK” Kirksey of Brunswick, GA; two great-grandchildren, Ju’siah E. Berry and NuVae Eve Wallace; loving, supportive sister, Velma Pierce (Kenny) of Pomona, CA; devoted, supportive brother, Irvin Jones Jr. (Beverly) of Pineville, NC; bonus daughter, Vanessa Hicks of Brunswick, GA whom she loved dearly and appreciated for standing beside Lil Evelyn throughout Gloria’s life journey; and a younger cousin Carolyn Stover of Melville, NY, whom she considered a niece for her love and support over the years and praying friend of the family, Minister Vickie Bradley of Brunswick, GA, who consistently sent prayers & scriptures each and every day for years, our lovely sister in Christ. Gloria shared a special bond with her devoted nephew, Rommel Jones (Johanna) of Houston, TX, whom she loved as a son. She was also blessed with the laughter and joy brought by her nephew, Rashad Pennywell of Las Vegas, NV, and her favorite childhood cousin, Anthony “Nero” Jones (Joyce) of Darien, GA. She will be deeply missed by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Gloria was preceded on the other side by her parents, her older sister, Irvine Jones, her baby sister, Beverly Jones, and many other beloved family members who now welcome her home in eternal peace.