Gloria Coley Keel

With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of Gloria Lynette Coley Keel, 82, of Anniston, Alabama. She quietly passed away on January 9th, 2025, surrounded by family and friends after a valiant battle with cancer.

Gloria was born October 18th, 1942 in Anniston, Alabama, the daughter of Lorene Mullinax Ledbetter and John Ray Coley. She was the eldest of five children and helped raise her younger siblings. Gloria graduated from Walter Wellborn High School in 1961, went on to UAB and later JSU, earning a RN and BSN, respectively, in nursing.

Gloria married Hugh Nash Keel in 1965 and had her two children, Lisa Danielle Keel and Kirsten Paige Jones (nee. Keel). She raised her daughters as a tireless, single mother. But it was her unwavering commitment and love for her grandchildren, Alexander Keel Burt and Ashliana Grace Stephenson, that must be highlighted, as that they were her biggest sources of joy and pride throughout the second half of her life. She was an endlessly doting Nana, offering guidance, patience, and unconditional love and support to her grandchildren, both of whom she cherished deeply. Through her example she taught them the values of kindness, patience, and the importance of family bonds. Her wisdom was gentle but firm, and her love for her grandchildren was immeasurable. As a Nana, Gloria took great pride in the accomplishments and milestones of her grandchildren. She was their biggest cheerleader, always offering encouragement and celebrating their achievements, no matter how big or small. Her love was unconditional, and she made each grandchild feel like they were her favorite. Her legacy of kindness, resilience, and love will live on through the generations she leaves behind.

Gloria worked in civil service most of her life, spending time providing Safety and Occupational Health Nursing services at both the Anniston Army Depot in Fort McClellan for more than 40 years. She especially love traveling, going to musicals, quilting, bunco, her church group activities, and her beloved animals - all but one who preceded her in passing.

Remaining to cherish Gloria's memory or her children, Lisa Danielle Keel, and Kirsten Keel Jones (Rick); grandchildren, Alexander Keele Burt and Ashliana Grace Stephenson; brother, Ricky Ledbetter (Toni); sisters, Susan Ledbetter Wall and Carolyn Coley Mitchell; and sister-in-law, Deborah Ledbetter; and many, many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Preceding Gloria in death are her Mother and Step-father Lorene Mullinax Ledbetter and Truby Ledbetter; her father, John Ray Coley; her brother, Gary Ledbetter; and her maternal grandmother, Alice Pressley Mullinax Haywood.

Gloria was also a woman of deep faith, finding strength and peace in her spiritual life. Glory was a faithful and active long-time member of Golden Springs Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held at Golden Springs Baptist Church on January 18th, 2025 at 11 AM with Reverend Roland Brown officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. A private interment will be held at Forest Lawn.

Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Love Sunday School Class. Pallbearers will be Alex Burt, Shane Ledbetter, Corey Ledbetter, Rick Jones, BJ McDade and Gary Stratton.

In addition to her family, Gloria leaves behind many friends whose lives she enriched with her kindness and generosity. She was a devoted friend who was always there to lend an ear or offer a helping hand. Her circle of friends was wide and diverse, yet all who knew her shared one thing in common, the privilege of experiencing her genuine warmth, humor, and loyalty.

The family also extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many visitors, caregivers and medical staff who supported Gloria in her final months. Their compassion and dedication made a difficult time more bearable for all involved.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Golden Springs Baptist Church, or, their favorite charity.