Born Gloria Ann Perry July 11, 1945 in West Palm Beach, FL. The 10th of 12 children to William Frank Perry Sr. and Elizabeth Perry. On July 26, 2020 the role was called for Gloria Ann Jeter to take her walk up the stairway to heaven. Gloria grew up in West Palm Beach and in her early youth became a faithful long time servant of New Bethel Baptist Church where her angelic voice graced their multiple choirs. She taught and played the piano for the Sunday school and she was a member of the Young Matrons.

Gloria locally attended Palmview Elementary and Roosevelt High School and she graduated in 1963. In high school, Gloria participated in the band and played the French horn. She was also in her high school chorus. In her youth, Gloria was active in the NAACP in which her father William Frank Perry Sr. was president. Gloria was a member of the voter’s league. After graduating from high school Gloria was one of many who protested to help integrate Palm Beach Community College (Palm Beach State College). Those protest led to the integration for African-Americans to attend PBCC and for her to be one of the first African Americans to attend PBCC. In August 1963 Gloria was there for the March on Washington to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. give his “I have a dream speech”. After 2 years of college at PBCC, Gloria went to Tuskegee University. Gloria continued her love of music in college by playing in the band and singing in the chorus. Gloria graduated from college in 1969 with a degree in Political Science.

Gloria taught and worked for the School Board of Palm Beach County for approximately 20 years prior to health issues causing her to retire. Gloria also worked for the Palm Beach County Health Dept. for at least 10+ years. Due to health issues Gloria moved to Port St. Lucie with her daughter Ayesha. She continued to express her love of God and church by joining River of Life Fellowship.

Gloria was always accepting and open to everyone: never turning anyone away. She always gave of what she had spiritually and naturally, for she knew what it meant to do for “the least of these”. She gave her ear to listen to the young and old and was an example to all. Her profound relationship with the Lord exemplified the strength of faith, wisdom, humility and courage it took to be a Proverbs 31 woman. This humble servant was a prayer warrior who dedicated her life to serving Christ, praying for her family and others and she encouraged those that were down trodden. Her true beauty came from within, and it was a reflection of the gentle and quiet spirit that God so values (1 Peter 3:3-4) Gloria loved life and spoke life, love, and joy into the hearts of everyone she encountered. One of her favorite sayings was “Everyday”. Meaning everyday was a new day to love and try again. Despite her illness Gloria continued to be a blessing to family, friends and neighbors, before the Heavenly Father called her home to rest on Sunday morning July 26, 2020.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents William F. Perry & Elizabeth Perry, her husband Melvin Jeter, her sister Dorothy Peoples and her brothers Cornelius Perry, Frank Perry, Lorenzo Perry, Grant Perry, Ronald Perry.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Ayesha (Robert), son William, Cleveland Pettis, Lori Pettis. Her sisters: Jean Dunham (George) Inez Millender (Larry), Juanita Nalls (Claude) Lillian Ingram and one brother Joe Perry. Gloria also leaves six grandchildren: Pierre, Anthony, Taneisha (Tony) Danielle, Krystle, Relandria. Gloria leaves eight great-grand-children: PJ, Ameilya, Shania, Amari, Camron, Noah, Avery, Landen. Gloria also has a host of nieces and nephews.

Public visitation for Gloria Jeter will take place on Friday, August 7, 2020 by way of our drive-thru in the rear of Stone Brothers Funeral Home in Fort Pierce, FL between the hours of 4:00pm and 7:00pm. A graveside celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 12:00pm at Riverview Memorial Park in Fort Pierce, FL.

Although many venues have opened and the restrictions of COVID 19 have been relaxed, we here at Stone Brothers Funeral Homes are still enforcing the guidelines set forth by the CDC and FDOH to protect our families and our staff. We ask that you respect this, as it could very well save your life. We also ask that you acknowledge and execute the 6 ft. social distancing guidelines, as well.