Gloria Elizabeth Melton Brown

Gloria Elizabeth Melton Brown of Jacksonville, FL, went to her heavenly home on November 21, 2023, at the age of 98. She was born in Jacksonville, FL on August 10, 1925, to Elzie Alonzo Melton and Pearl Marie Melton.

Gloria and her husband, Brownie, were founding members of Faith Baptist Mission which began in October, 1958, in their home. The home held meeting places for different age groups for Bible Study and the garage became the chapel. They professed that these were some of the happiest days of their lives. They were instrumental in the purchasing and construction of Faith Memorial Baptist Church located at 6731 Ramona Boulevard where they remained members until their death. The church is currently known as Living Faith Church and still serves the same community.

Gloria graduated from Lee High School in 1942 and married Brownie on May 12, 1944. She worked for Ford Motor Company from 1942 to 1948. After the birth of her first child, she became a homemaker until she started her career at Jacksonville Electric Authority in 1972. She retired in 1985.

Gloria and Brownie loved the lake and purchased property in Keystone Heights on Crystal Lake in 1948. The lake has become a refuge for the entire family and something they were both proud to pass on to their future generations.

Gloria is survived by her three children, Darlene Brown Taylor (David), Thomas Gordon Brown (Betty) and Randall Hilliard Brown. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, David Taylor III (Katie), Tiffany Massey (Harry), Nikki Brown (Josh), Brittany Hanley (Peter), Blakely Brown, Noelle Vescio (Joshua), Blaire Stroemple (Justin), Dee Dee Connelly (Eddie) and Jennifer Brown (Billy McCallister). Her surviving 18 great grandchildren are as follows: Shelby Taylor, Grace Massey, Blaire Massey, Adair Brown, Maeve Brown, Petra Brown, Tripp Hanley, Ellen Hanley, Annie Hanley, Lila Brown, Max Vescio, Joey Vescio, Sonny Stroemple, Brook Connelly, Hailey Connelly, Elizabeth Carr, Ava McCallister and Haze McCallister.

Preceded in death were her parents, Elzie and Pearl Melton, her husband, Hilliard Gordon Brown, her brothers, Elzie Melton, Jr., Cornelious Melton, one sister, Donna Duke and one grandson, Randal Brown, Jr.

Pallbearers: David Taylor III, Harry Massey, Joshua Brown, Peter Hanley, Justin Stroemple

A visitation for Gloria will be held Monday, December 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Faith Memorial Baptist Church, 6731 Ramona Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205. A funeral service will occur Monday, December 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM, 6731 Ramona Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida 32205. A committal service will occur Monday, December 4, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.

Special thanks to the caregivers at St. Catherine Laboure and Haven Hospice along with Dr. Narvel,

Jessie Robbins and Michelle Scott for their willingness to help our family.

Special thanks to the caregivers at St. Catherine Laboure and Haven Hospice along with Dr. Narvel,

Jessie Robbins and Michelle Scott for their willingness to help our family.