Gloria J. Green, 74
To view Gloria’s memorial video Click Here.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gloria Jeanne Green on Monday afternoon. Although our hearts are broken, we find solace in knowing that she is now in the presence of Jesus.
Born with a natural gift for caregiving, Gloria’s life was a testament to her boundless compassion and dedication. From a young age, she nurtured her dream of caring for others, a vision that came to fruition when she opened Gingerbread Learning and Child Care Center. As a visionary in early childhood education, Gloria was accredited and provided private care, facilitated services through Episcopal Children’s Services and was a Gold Seal Head Start program. Her commitment to providing exceptional care during critical early development was driven by her desire to offer the best emotional, intellectual, and social environment.
Her selfless generosity was a hallmark of her character, often giving anonymously to those in need, guided by the principles of Matthew 6:2, instilled in her by her father. After selling her business, Gloria dedicated herself to serving Clay County’s Council on Aging, where she used her advanced commercial driver’s license to provide essential transportation for children, adults with special needs, and elderly clients. Her joy in this role was evident as she made every journey an adventure, driving the largest buses in their fleet that she could barley see over the dashboard, all while smiling and radiating her infectious positivity.
Gloria’s retirement was marked by the joy of spending time with her grandchildren. Her home was a haven of adventure, filled with tea parties, swimming, nature rides, and the care of animals and plants. Greens’ Farm was a place where cherished memories were made, embodying her spirit of love and fun.
A devoted member of First Baptist Church of Middleburg, Gloria served in numerous roles, from teaching Sunday school to preparing meals for the youth and participating in community projects. She was a mentor and a beacon of encouragement to countless children. Her belief in her grandson’s calling as a minister was fulfilled with joy when she served her baked cookies and beamed with pride at his first service as the campus pastor of Family Church.
Gloria was fiercely protective of her family and dedicated to their well-being. She instilled in us the values of love, protection, and the importance of education. Her vibrant spirit, her love for others, and her remarkable ability to find joy in life’s simplest moments will be deeply missed.
To know Gloria was to love her, and her memory will continue to inspire and uplift all who had the privilege of knowing her. A celebration of her life will be held at First Baptist Church of Middleburg, where we will honor and remember a truly remarkable woman.
Gloria was born in Washington D.C. on October 1, 1949 to Lloyd Robert and Stella Falls-Shumate. She is preceded in death by her mother, father, little brother (William Mason Shumate), and daughter (Denise Marie Myers).
She is survived by her loving husband of twenty-one years, Michael Keith Green, her brother, Robert Shumate, daughters, Alesa Peace (John), Cheryl Larson (Todd), Elizabeth Braswell (Brian), Kimberly Hamilton (Dylan), her son Larry A. Myers, Jr. (Stephanie), numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and five great-grandchildren.
The service will be officiated by Gloria’s grandson, Jeromy Larson.
Funeral services will be held 11:00AM Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at First Baptist Church Middleburg with burial at Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery following. A time of visitation will begin at 10:00AM prior to services.
To donate to Gloria’s charity of choice, click here, The Ronald McDonald House
Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com (904) 284-7720.