Gloria Jean Stanley Calhoun

Gloria Calhoun, age 70, died on December 12, 2023 at her home in Reidsville, GA under the care of her family and Community Hospice.  Most of her life was spent in Tattnall County.

Always a dedicated and hard worker, Gloria retired from Smith State Prison as a Sergeant in 2008 due to health reasons. Her work ethic was impeccable, and she had high expectations for herself as an employee. Timeliness and attention to detail were always important to her, and she bestowed these traits to her daughter and grandsons. 

Following retirement, Gloria enjoyed a variety of hobbies and crafts and made special gifts for each family member to treasure for years to come. Her heart’s desire was for each one to have a handmade item to cherish her memory. Her thoughtfulness would frequently extend beyond her family as she found it rewarding to surprise others with gifts and to help provide for those in need.  She had the biggest heart and was truly a blessing to so many. 

Gloria believed that raising her children was her greatest achievement, and she was such a loving mother. Hardships during her teenage years kept her from finishing school, but she later earned a GED. She valued education and always encouraged her daughter, Tina, to attend college and earn a higher degree so that she could be independent and have a successful future. Her constant encouragement was an inspiration as Tina became the first family member to earn three college degrees. 

Although Gloria suffered from many serious health issues over the years, her greatest pain was heartache over the loss of her beloved son, Frankie. The void he left was never filled, but was eased when her grandsons were born as she often caught glimpses of Frankie in them. 

Gloria thought her son-in-law, Austin, hung the moon for taking such good care of Tina and their children. She was so proud of the life and family they created together, and made sure they knew it, as well as anyone else who would listen. 

Affectionately called “Sweets” and “Nana” by her favorite people, Gloria adored her grandchildren. The mere mention of them would always bring a smile to her face. Lunch dates with her grandsons always made her feel special, and she treasured every minute with them. 

Among her siblings, Gloria often teased that she was each one’s favorite. Truth be known, she likely was. She felt a special bond with each one in a unique way, and always enjoyed their time together.  

The best years of her life were spent with her companion of 23 years, Pat Merrill. They loved to play cards together, and she proudly held the record for wins. Before she was unable to travel, they enjoyed vacations in the mountains together. He stood by her side through many health issues over the years and brought her the most comfort in her final days. 

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Mattie Lou Sheffield Stanley and Earnest Lee Stanley; beloved son, Franklin “Frankie” Martin, Jr.; sister, Marolyn Wright; and brother, Harry Stanley.  

Left to forever cherish her memory:

Loving companion:  Pat Merrill of Reidsville, GA

Daughter and Son-in-law: Tina & Austin Debevec of Reidsville, GA

Grandchildren: Jake Debevec & Eli Debevec of Reidsville, GA; Katie Gines (Steven) of Seattle, WA; Aadam Debevec (Leah) of Germantown, TN

Siblings: sisters, Louise Edwards (Tom) of Starkville MS and Carolyn Barrett of Cairo, GA; brothers, Larry Stanley (Emily) of Americus, GA and Robert Stanley (Susan) of Meigs, GA

Great grandchildren: Easton Gines, Kennley Gines, Hyrum Gines, and Aspen Gines, all of Seattle, WA

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Pineview Baptist Church, 6370 GA Hwy 121 Reidsville, GA 30453.  Services will conclude following the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice for the exceptional care they provided:

Community Hospice, 904 Mt. Vernon Road, Vidalia, GA 30474

Or to the TCHS Athletic Booster Club since Gloria was one of her grandson, Eli’s, biggest fans in his athletic activities:  TCHS Athletic Booster Club, c/o Austin Debevec, P.O. Box 1729, Reidsville, GA 30453

Low Country Cremation & Burial is serving the Calhoun family.