Gloria Gene Carney

PEKIN ~ Gloria G. Carney, 93, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital in Orlando surrounded by her daughters. She was a former longtime resident of Pekin, Illinois.

Born October 4, 1932 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Vernon A. and Freida B. (Bottger) Grandia, she married Robert Lee “Bob” Carney on August 20, 1954 in Houston, Texas. He died on November 10, 2011 in Normal, Illinois. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Randy Carney and one brother, Luther Grandia.

Surviving are three daughters, Penny (Peter) Watzka of Orlando, Florida, Mary (Chuck) Shepardson of La Quinta, California, and Patty (David) Knight of Winter Garden, Florida; eleven grandchildren Justin Watzka, Kirby (Jesse) Filar, Kylie (Nate) Drummond, Garrett (Jo Jo) Watzka, Corey (Kalyn) Shepardson, Kyle (Cossette) Shepardson, Sarah (Greg) Oliva, Erin (Maura) Knight, Taylor Knight, Katie (JC) Cardenas, and Robert Knight and 21 great-grandchildren.

Gloria was devoted to her family and traveled to the East and West Coasts many times for visits. She loved watching Bradley basketball and was a season ticket holder for many years. She enjoyed playing cards and cheering on the Chicago Cubs.

She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pekin. She was also a decades-long member of Pekin Country Club.

A private family graveside will be held in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin. No visitation is planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com