Gloria Welcome Smith was born on March 18, 1945, to the late John Henry and Ella Rader Welcome in Panama City, Florida. She was preceded in death by her late husband, James “Pappy Joe” Smith, Jr., and through their union was born one son, Tyron Demetrius Smith. She was affectionately known as Mother Welcome to her church family, Holy Temple COGIC.

Gloria grew up in Panama City, where she was raised with her brothers, Sears Welcome (deceased) and Frank Welcome, and sister, Rosa Lee Welcome. She attended the public schools of Bay County. She graduated from Rosenwald High School in 1963. Soon after graduating high school, she obtained her certification and became a Certified Nurses Assistant. She worked in the medical field at Bay Memorial Hospital until she retired.

Gloria will be fondly remembered for her humor, selflessness, compassion, generosity, cheerfulness, and the love she had for her family. Early morning on December 4, 2023, she won her battle and was called to be with the Lord at home in peace at the age of seventy-eight. She leaves behind to cherish her memories: her son, Tyron Smith of Panama City; brother, Frank Welcome (Fern) of Panama City; sister, Rosa Welcome of Tallahassee; four granddaughters, Shikereya, Shikia, Tamyko Smith, and Amirah Reid; goddaughters, Janae Miller and Klarika Dione Ross; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who she loved unconditionally.

Celebration of Life services will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Battle Mortuary located at 1123 Martin Luther King Boulevard in Panama City, Fl with Elder Arthur Reid officiating.

She will be laid to rest in the Redwood Cemetery with services entrusted to the caring staff of Battle Mortuary of Panama City, FL.