/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/1584/392604/Fu6CxKVJ1R4P3jiH20231211_154858_00001.png)
Obituary For Sister Gloria Welcome Smith
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.
Live Stream Links
To view funeral services live please click on this linkCondolences & Tributes
Add A Condolence
Dekota Street sent The Loving Light Dishgarden for Sister Gloria Welcome Smith - December 14, 2023
Ty may God continue to comfort you and the family as He walks with you through the valley. Praying your strength in the Lord.
Dekota and Chelsea
Deepest warm sympathy to the family. May God loving arms give you comfort
In the hearts of those who loved you, you will always be there." "As you were you will always be, treasured forever in my memory." "I keep in my heart the love of the past, for there it was planted forever to last." "Your presence I miss, your memory I treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never, especially our talks of encouragement, thank you for letting me vent to even when I was getting on your nerves..
Tyron,.Wishing your peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Wishing you the best and know you have my full support in every moment. I am thinking of you, sending caring thoughts your way to support you through this. Artassia Boyd
On behalf of the James S. Rickards High School Alumni Association of Tallahassee, Florida we send our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to our classmates the Welcome family God's blessings to you all. Ms. Eustacia "Kitty" Morris-Richardson, James S. Rickards High School Alumni Association Secretary, 3013 Jim Lee Road; Tallahassee, Florida 32310
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
