Gloria Roscleer Collins Jones was born on September 9, 1934, in Clearwater, Florida to Thelma Young Jones and Seymour Collins. She sang solos at the age of four and was Mt. Carmel Baptist Church’s main attraction at their winter programs. Gloria love d to sing and said it was a gift from God. Gloria accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the age of eight at St. Matthew First Missionary Baptist Church. She was the pianist for the Sunday School and Youth Choir, following in her mom’s footsteps. She sang in the youth and adult choirs. She was also President of the Youth Department, served as Secretary of the Number One Choir and on the Church Finance Committee. Gloria’s formal education spans her fundamental years at Curtis Elementary School and Pinellas High School , where she graduated as Salutatorian of her class. She continued to Bethune -Cookman College where she attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education and a Minor in English and the New York University, achieving a certificate in American Sign Language . Gloria was employed at Florida A&M University as an Invoice Auditor and taught at Walker Business College in Jacksonville, Florida. While at Walker, she organized a campus sorority, coached the girls’ bowling team and directed the chorale ensemble. She was the first black teacher hired at the Speedwriting Institute in New York City and was the Dean when the school closed. She transferred to Taylor Business Institute as Dean of the Evening Division. Gloria taught at New York University School of Continuing Education. After returning to Clearwater, she was employed at the Neighborly Senior Services as Site Supervisor and Community Outreach Specialist. Gloria had a passion for being a Wedding Consultant and Fashion Show Commentator. Gloria’s life theme was…“If I can help somebody as I travel along this road, then my living will not be in vain.” Gloria had active memberships in many organizations to include, Gamma Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. (AKA) since 1953, which earned her the “Golden Soror” status; National Association of University Women/Mothers March of Dimes; Bethune Cookman College Alumni Association, Pinellas County Superintendent’s Advisory Committee, Upper Pinellas County Urban League Guild, Lifetime member of the National Association for The Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Order of Eastern Stars, I.B.P.O. Elks of The World, Voter Registration Worker and the Police League. Gloria Roscleer Collins Jones transitioned from her earthly home to her eternal home on Saturday, April 29, 2023. She is predeceased by her husbands, Joseph H. Bostick, Jr. and Ollie H. Jones, Jr., her mother and stepfather, Thelma Young Jones and Caleb Jones, father and stepmother, Seymour Collins and Jewelean Collins, brothers, David McCoy and Emmett Jones and aunt, Mary Lee Young Denson. She leaves fond memories to…her brothers , Curtis Collins, Sr. (Ella Mae), Ralph Collins (Maxine), Louis Collins (Sunny) and Henry Collins; sisters, Barbra Dupree (Willie), Charlimy Crews, Betty Denmark, Deitre Collins, Jocelyn Collins and Donna Collins; godchildren, Dexter Rutledge, Kevin Reed and Tia Hadley; cousin, Anthony Stewart; a host of nieces and nephews ; several grand nephews and nieces, cousins, friends and neighbors , Ben Bryant and Annette Rowe.

A Life Celebration 11:00 AM Saturday, May.6,2023, at The Saint Matthew First Missionary Baptist, 703 Seminole Street, Clearwater, FL 33755. Visitation Friday, May 5, 2023 6-8 PM at Smith-Young FH & CS.