Gloria Blakeney

Gloria Ray Blakeney, beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on November 8, 1945, in Liskeard, Cornwall, England. After World War II ended, her mother brought her to the U.S. on a war-bride ship, the S.S. Uruguay, coming through Ellis Island and traveling by train to Greenwood, MS to join her father there.  Gloria graduated from Provine High School in Jackson in May, 1963.

Mrs. Blakeney worked as a Physician’s Assistant for Dr. R.D. Ward, MD for close to 20 years, first in Clinton, MS and then in Pascagoula, MS. She then worked for many years at Singing River Hospital in the Medical Records Department. Upon her retirement, she became the Caregiver for her mother and father-in-law until their passing.

Gloria was a woman of unwavering faith and kindness. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she often put the needs of others before her own. Her warm smile and gentle spirit touched the lives of everyone she encountered. She dedicated her life to serving others, volunteering at First Baptist Church of Gautier in several areas. Nearest to her heart was serving with the FBC Gautier Youth Group for many years, teaching, ministering, and mentoring. Her grandchildren called her Gigi and it didn’t take long for the rest of the youth group to follow suit.  She was Gigi to everyone and loved them all like her own.  Gloria was a huge supporter of the Disaster Relief Ministry and volunteered to join the crew for a trip to Iowa for flood relief. She was there to serve, yet again, by acting as the cook for the entire team. One of the volunteers stated, “I think that’s the only DR trip I’ve ever worked that I actually gained weight!” She fed the team very well!  She worked diligently on creating a churchwide scrapbook that included memories from all the various areas of ministry throughout the church. She also enjoyed assisting with the Operation Christmas Child ministry by finding “good deals” on shoebox items to donate, making it easier to fill more shoeboxes to reach more children and share the love of Christ. In the past several years, she created and maintained the FBC Gautier E-mail Prayer Chain Ministry, keeping members updated daily on announcements and prayer concerns.

Gloria was also a long-time member of the Pascagoula Jaycettes serving in numerous positions of leadership, including State President of the MS Jaycettes in 1982-’83.  While involved with the Pascagoula Jaycees/Jaycettes, she and her husband, Ronnie, produced and directed the Pascagoula Junior Miss Scholarship Program for over 20 years and were responsible for bringing the program to Gautier, as well.

Our dear, sweet mother battled Ovarian cancer during the last two years of her life. Ultimately, it would not be accurate to say that the cancer won. Cancer still exists, of course, and it still sucks! But its voraciousness is not final, nor is it authoritative, because Christ has already defeated death. Death has no sting and we do not mourn as unbelievers. Death is not the end. One day, Gloria Blakeney will be bodily resurrected.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Merrill Franklin Ray and Dorothy Joyce Nottle Ray, her husband, Ronald Blakeney, her brother Lt. Col. Philip Ray, USAF, and twin infant granddaughters, Amelia Joyce and Anneliesse Kim Blakeney.

Gloria is survived by: daughters, Dodie Aycock (Stan), Gautier, MS; Jamie Albero (Sal), Odessa, FL; son, Jonathan Blakeney (Elizabeth), Vancleave, MS; grandchildren, Amanda Aycock, Gautier, MS,  Sydney (Mark) Toups, Lawton, OK,  Nicholas (Sarah) Aycock, Big Point, MS, Stephanie and Luke Albero, Odessa, FL, Peter, Matthew, and Hannah Blakeney, Vancleave, MS; great-grandchildren Brooke and Reagan Verlinde, Adele and Eleanor Toups, Rayleigh, Rebekah, and Matox Aycock; sister Carol Wooley; sister-in-law Becky Ray; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.  

The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Gloria’s life at First Baptist Church Gautier, 325 De la Pointe Drive, Gautier, MS  39553. Saturday, April 27, 2024 - Visitation from 10:00-11:00am and Memorial Service to begin at 11:00am with Rev. David Aultman and Rev. Chad Ball officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Baptist Church Gautier. Some of her favorite ministries include Operation Christmas Child, Disaster Relief, Backpack Buddies, and Sue’s Home Community Care Network.

Gloria Blakeney will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her selflessness, compassion, and unwavering love for others. May she rest in eternal peace.

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