Gloria Faye Breeland-McDaniel

She was born November 14,1946 in Baton Rouge, LA to Annie Mae Bridges Breeland and Henry Ellis Breeland, Sr. Gloria grew up with a deep sense of faith, family, and perseverance that carried her through her life’s journey.

Gloria worked for the State of Louisiana and in administrative support positions in her younger years and later became a registered nurse. Her nursing career spanned many areas from pediatrics to long-term care, and even service within a correctional facility. No matter what the setting, she provided compassionate care to others, touching countless lives.

On March 7, 1964, Gloria married her high school sweetheart, Phillip Ray McDaniel. Together they raised four children. Her greatest pride was found in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished.

Gloria was remarkably resilient, becoming an elite basketball player after being bedridden and spending years using crutches. Even as a grandmother, she rarely lost a game of HORSE. That strong will, determination, and grit defined the way she faced every chapter of life.

Growing up in South Louisiana (St. Helena Parish), Gloria later lived in Washington and Montana before returning home to Louisiana. Eventually, she and Phillip relocated back to Washington to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Everywhere she lived, Gloria carried her Southern heritage that included a gift for hospitality. Her gumbo is legendary throughout North Central Montana and Southwest Washington with her chicken and dumplings coming in as a close second. Her kitchen was always a place of welcome, warmth, and love.

Gloria became a Christian as a child, and her strong faith guided her. Many were influenced by her kindness, example, and willingness to share her faith. She was baptized holding hands with a boy who later became her husband. This was a beautiful foreshadowing to her role as a pastor’s wife and her partnership with Phillip which God used to bring many to place their faith in Jesus.

She had a special place in her heart for the underdogs in life—children growing up in difficult environments received her gentle teaching, rides to church, and as much food as they could eat; those in recovery received her prayers, encouragement, and support; and many who knew her, from childhood to the end of her life, describe her as best friend they ever had. Loyal and trustworthy, she could be counted on to be there for others, even in the most difficult situations. Even stray dogs that wandered to her doorstep found a friend in her.

Known affectionately as Nanny, Nan, or Nurse Nan to her grandchildren, being a grandmother was her greatest joy. Her grandchildren remember her as their biggest supporter attending ball games, telling them stories of her childhood and life with PawPaw, or sitting in the camper playing cards and coloring while their dad was hunting with their PawPaw. Many were treated to weeks

long visits with her, swimming, taking trips to Walmart, the beach, or to a water park where they ran wild and free. Nanny was right on it when any of them mentioned being hungry or needing a listening ear.

Gloria is survived by her husband of 61 years, Phillip McDaniel; three daughters, Lori Mize (Paul), Amy Cleveland (Steve), and Jolie McFarland (Sam); one son, Michael McDaniel (Kristen); grandchildren Justin Eastman, Zach Eastman, Hannah Cleveland, Lucas Eastman, Steven Cleveland, Conner McDaniel, Owen McDaniel, Jordan McDaniel, Macy McDaniel, Wyatt McFarland, and Clara McFarland; ten great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Henry Ellis (Shot) Breeland, Jr.

A celebration of Gloria’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on October 25, 2025 at Dayspring Baptist Church, Chehalis, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations honoring her lifelong service in ministry may be made to Dayspring Baptist Church, 2088 Jackson Hwy; Chehalis, WA 98532.