Gloria Jean Smith

Gloria Jean Williams Smith was born on September 25, 1954, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to the late Lonnie and Florine Burns Williams. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Savior and carried her faith throughout her life.

Gloria attended the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. While there, she proudly became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Her love for children and passion for education led her to a rewarding career in teaching, serving students in both Louisiana and Mississippi for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie and Florine Burns Williams; her brother, Alex “Sonny Boy” Tolliver; her sisters, Birda Williams and Rosa Carter; and her beloved grandchildren, Olivia Faith Johnson and Ricky Smith.

Gloria leaves to cherish her memory two devoted sons, Tyrone Smith of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Lionel P. (Avina) Johnson Sr. of Vicksburg, Mississippi. She is also survived by her sister, Ella Thomas of Shreveport, Louisiana; her brothers, Lonnie (Fran) Williams of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Bobby (Ruby) Williams and John Williams, both of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

She will be lovingly remembered by her eight grandchildren: Laura Pilgrim, Kori Smith, Cyan Smith, and Nicholas Smith, all of Raleigh, North Carolina; and Lonni Johnson, Lionel Johnson Jr., Layla Johnson, and Lauryn Johnson, all of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Her legacy continues through her five great-grandchildren: Rowan Pilgrim, Hazel Pilgrim, and Jalisa Turner, all of Raleigh, North Carolina; and Tayden Johnson and Zyier Scott, both of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Gloria is also survived by her special sister, Jannice Stevenson; her three godchildren, Janith Stevenson, Jaleana Stevenson, and Christopher Stevenson, all of New Orleans, Louisiana; along with a host of other family members and friends, including nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones. Among those holding her memory dear are her oldest niece, Carolyn Carter; her first cousin, Mary Davis; and the many members of the Burns family.

Though she is no longer with us in body, Gloria's love, faith, dedication to education, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.