Gloria Dean Nelson , age 72, was born on March 6, 1952, to the union of Joe and Edna E. Nelson. She was the youngest of 11 children.  Both parents, sisters, Vilee Lauderdale and Naomie McCall; brothers, James Charles "JC", Richard Starnes Hugh, and Edward Lee "Bobby" Smith preceded her in death.

As a child growing up, Gloria was such a tom-boy that she always put holes in her clothes from playing and her mother would cover them with patches. As a result, she was given the name Patches because of the patches on her clothing.  As Gloria grew older she was affectionately known as "Aunt Pat" or "Patsy", which carried over from her childhood nickname.

She earned her G.E.D. in 1980 and worked at the Research Medical Center until she retired.  Gloria found joy in caring for her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family and church family.  Gloria also had a passion for cooking. She will always be remembered for her greens and cabbage mixed.

Gloria had a heart of gold and went out of her way to help others.  We would always say, "if she was a millionaire no one would want for anything."  She loved Estate Sales and Thrift Store shopping.

She found her second home when she joined the Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church family.  She fell in love with them and they fell in love with her. She was faithful and committed to her worship unto God, services to her church family and her pastor.  She was a member of the Adult Choir, an active member of the Culinary Team (known for her Peach Cobbler and Banana Pudding), and the Mother's Ministry where she served as president until her demise.

She departed this life on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

She leaves to cherish her memories her daughters, Rufina and Chasady Nelson; special nephew, Alex Nelson; six grandchildren, Treawna Nelson, Carmisha Harlin, Diontay Nelson, Asja Nelson, Jaden Nelson, and Shaun Brooks; seven great-grandchildren, Ar`Nya Thomas, Ar`Monni Thomas, Jai`Sir Nelson, A`LasjaReed, A`Rayla Reed, Robert Martin, and Carter Hall; four sisters, Dorothy Allen-Dyes of Niles MI, Ethel Cox (KCMO), Mary Nelson (KCMO), and Mamie Daniels of Hattiesburg, MS; one sister-in-law, Almarie Smith (widow of Edward Lee Smith) of Niles MI; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family.

Thoughtful care and services provided E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.