Today, we celebrate the life of Gloria Elizabeth Jackson, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.  Gloria departed this life on September 1, 2025, at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Richard Jackson; her mother, Albertha C. Jackson; sister, Josephine C. Hammond; sister, Louise Conaway; and her grandson, DaRon M. Graves.  She is survived by her daughter, Timberley C. Smith; son, Arland W. Jackson, Sr.  (Tatiana); daughter, Tammy M. Shippy; ten grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; niece, Juanita Brown; niece, Carrie Parker; nephew, Kenneth Conaway; nephew, Morris Conaway; niece, Carolyn Clayton (James); nephew, Eric Hammond (Lisa); and a host of relatives, and many dear friends. Her love, spirit, and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

Gloria was born on July 17, 1935, in Petersburg, VA to Mary Brassfield Jackson and Richard Henry Jackson.  From the age of five, Gloria was raised by her stepmother, Albertha Carroll Jackson.  She graduated from Peabody High School with the Class of 1953 and remained in the Petersburg area her entire life. Gloria was a faithful member of Westminster Presbyterian Church (WPC) where she accepted Jesus Christ as her savior from a very young age. Gloria worked as a nurse's aide at the Walnut Hill Convalescent Center in Petersburg for nearly twenty years before retiring for health reasons, where she attended diligently to the care of many patients. After her retirement, Gloria was very active in volunteering with the Downtown Churches Association and attending faith-based meetings with her fellow WPC member friends.  In 2021, Gloria moved to Lucy Corr in Chesterfield, VA where she was a "fan favorite" of all the nursing staff who cared for her.

From the very beginning, she was known for her cheerful, kind, and gentle spirit. Growing up in Petersburg, VA, she shared a close family bond with her sister, Josephine, and they chatted on the phone every weekend over the years.

Gloria was blessed with three children: Timberley, Arland, and Tammy, who were her greatest pride and joy. Later in life, she found immense happiness in her role as a grandmother to eleven grandchildren, Darryl Graves, DaRon Graves (d.), Arland Jackon II, Alicia Terry, Kandyce Rives, Arlyssa Marshall, Arlaric Jackson, Morgan Shippy, Tatiana Smith, London Shippy, and Armari Jackson, who lovingly called her "Grandma". Gloria was also blessed with fifteen great-grandchildren, Ke'Aundra, Y'mani, Y'Janae, Sayoni, Jeremiah, Ahmir, Ahliyah, Kennedy, Roderick III, Ardell, Ryann, A'Jurnee, Aria, Zah'Mir, and Arian. She also lovingly adorned her crown with one great-great grandchild, Karter Fisher.

Gloria had a deep love for animals. Over the years, she rescued several dogs, bringing them into her home and caring for them. She continued to have a soft spot for dogs, cats and birds. Her grand-dogs could always count on her for a yummy or two!  Gloria lived her life with extraordinary grace and unwavering devotion to her family. She taught by example - through her patience, her resilience, and the way she cared for others without hesitation. Her kitchen was often the gathering place, filled with the amazing smells of the next meal she was preparing and the sound of laughter around the table.  She had a gift for cooking and gardening.  She loved collecting savory recipes which she would recreate in her own kitchen for her family. She always maintained beautiful plants around her home. More than what she did, it was how she lived—with warmth, compassion, and a deep faith in God - that touched so many lives.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 403 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, Rev. Ulysses Payne, Pastor/eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.