Gloria Jean Smith

Gloria J Smith was born on March 17th 1930 to Mother Alberta and adopted by Father Talbert Jones, Paternal Father Howard Kyle. She was called home on December 13th 2022.

Gloria attended Omaha Technical High School /Tech High Trojan where she was an accomplished seamstress. She went on to further her education by attending Althouse Cosmetology School. She was a licensed Beautician at both Margo's Beauty Salon and Laurel & Daniel's Beauty Salon where she retired after 30 plus years. She finished her working years doing day work for several prominent families in Omaha NE.

She enjoyed quilting and had some of them on display in Lincoln, Ne and at the 30th and Ames Omaha Public Library. She worked with a group of Ladies that help to make quilts for My Sisters Keepers. These quilts were donated to Cancer survivors, Dialysis patients and Military Veterans. She had knack for gardening and had an awesome green thumb- she grew several different kinds of vegetables. The one that caught everyone's eye was her Okra that grew over 6 feet tall.

She enjoyed playing cards with her Daughters, Granddaughters, and Great-Great Grandchildren -she played everything from Bid Whist, to Spades, and Garbage. She taught her Granddaughters how to play Bid Whist at a very young age because they always wanted to sit at the table where all the action took place. She taught her Great Grandkids how to play Garbage because they also want to at the table.

She loved cooking and teaching everyone in the family how to make wonderful meals and delicious deserts (especially her famous Peach Cobbler). There were plenty of Family Love Me Days where everyone got together just because we wanted to share a good meal and have family story time. She enjoyed traveling and the last place she went to was the Holy Land - Cairo, Egypt, where she and her dear friend Mary Teamer was baptized in the River of Jordan.

Gloria was a member of the Eastern Star, Past Worthy Matron -Deborah Chapter #17 and has been a member for over 50 plus years.

Gloria Smith was the Matriarch of the family - 5 generations. She was the LOVE that held us all together. She loved all her Family those near and far. As she took her final breathe a tear slid down her face, she smiled and exhaled, she blew softly into the torch that lit the flame for the family to carry on. Gloria is survived by her Daughters Sandra Riley, Karen Walker, and Daughter-in-law Francine Myers-Brown. Grandchildren D'Artagnan Matthews Sr., Arnette Carriger, Katherine (Kathy) Brown, Tonya Brown, Chauncy Brown, Ja'Mill Austin. Great Grandchildren Imani Williams, Nia Williams, Karina Hollins, Adonis McLemore, D'Artagnan Matthews Jr., Taylor Matthews, De'Amber Brown. Great-Great Grandchildren Ella Jackson, Ana Maree Cox, Xavier Cox, Lai Lynn McLemore, MaKari Hector, and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and extended family, friends, and loved ones.

Gloria was proceeded in death by Husband Lloyd Smith Sr., Mother Alberta and Father Talbert Jones, Paternal Father Howard Kyle. Sister Constance (Connie) Gonzales-Jackson. Son James K. Brown, Granddaughter Kerry J. Brown and several Jackson Family members who have passed on before her.