Gloria Jean Brown

Gloria Jean Brown, 83, of Okaloosa County, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in Niceville, Florida. She was born on December 18, 1941, in Bonifay, Florida, to Rev. J. D. and Myrtle Grant, who passed away during childbirth. Gloria was raised by her beloved grandfather and grandmother, David and Gertrude Adkins, along with her uncle and aunt, Shack and Margaret Jones. She was a lifelong member of Crosspoint Niceville, where she lived a life defined by her strong faith, strength, love, and unwavering dedication to her Lord and Savior, her family and her community.

Gloria was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Gene Raymond Brown, her grandparents, David and Gertrude Adkins, aunt and uncle, Shack and Margaret Jones, her parents, J. D. and Myrtle Grant, and her brother Jimmy Donald Grant.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience, cherished by her three children: Lynda Pannelli (Dominic), Tim Brown (Debbie), and April Branscome (David). Gloria's joy extended to her four grandchildren-Dominic Pannelli, Jr. (Chrissy), Ashton Pannelli Barreras (Alex), Timmy Brown, and Taylor Jordan (Megan)—and her 14 great-grandchildren, who brought her immense pride and happiness. She also leaves behind her sisters/cousins, Patricia Williams (Jerry), Nancy Riley (Alan) and her sister, Deloris Powell, along with many loving family members and friends.

For many years, Gloria served the Okaloosa County School District as a dedicated bus driver, later rising to the role of route coordinator for the transportation department. She retired in 2003 after a 30 year career marked by commitment and care for the students she served.

Beyond her professional life, Gloria was a pillar of her community, volunteering countless hours at the Crosspoint Church Bargain Box, where her generosity and warm spirit touched many lives.

Known as the strongest woman her family and friends ever knew, Gloria loved with her entire heart.

She was an extraordinary wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, whose laughter, kindness, and boundless love will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her.

A celebration of Gloria's life will be held at Heritage Gardens on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

The family will receive visitors at 9:30 a.m., with the service at 10:00 a.m. Gloria's light will continue to shine through the love and memories she leaves behind.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gloria Jean Brown, please visit our floral store.