Gloria Jean Johnson S. Brisbane

Gloria Jean Johnson S. Brisbane, wife of Manning L. Brisbane, was born May 20, 1943 in Sumter County, SC. She entered into eternal rest on December 23, 2014 at Tuomey Medical Center, Sumter, SC. She was the biological daughter of the late Julius “Joe” Grant and Naomi Maple. Gloria was reared in the home of the late Reverend Burrell and Lou Ethel Choice Johnson. Living in a Christian home, her parents instilled in her the love for serving God. She attended church regularly and accepted Christ as her savior at an early age. She became a member of Wayman Chapel AME Church as a child and remained a faithful lifelong member. Gloria was very active in the church and served in several capacities. For many years, she was a youth Sunday School Teacher and chairperson of the Easter Program Committee. Gloria enjoyed working with children and motivated them to participate in the yearly Easter programs. She wrote many of the plays and skits that were performed by the children. Gloria also served on the Baptism Committee, the Stewardess Board, Pastor’s Aid, YPD Advisor and was an officer in the Wilhelmenia “Sweetheart” Burgess Women’s Missionary Society. Gloria was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and was a 1961 graduate of Ebenezer High School, Dalzell, SC. She received a bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Allen University in 1965. After graduation, she began her teaching career in Lee County schools and later worked in Sumter School District Two. She taught for more than 30 years at Delaine Elementary School and retired in 1995. While at Delaine, she mentored many students and taught three generations of students from the same family. Teaching was not just a career but a passion and she continued to work as a substitute teacher for several years after retirement. Gloria was a very loving person, showing compassion for everyone she met. She cared about others and made sacrifices to help anyone in need. She volunteered to serve the needy and worked on many charitable causes, especially Mt. Pisgah Breakfast Ministry for the Homeless on Thursday mornings. Gloria was a committed Bible scholar, waking up at 4:00am for daily devotions and Bible study. Her hobbies included writing church plays, reading, and exercising. Gloria was devoted to her family and maintained a special relationship with all. She dedicated her time and showed unconditional love for each family member. They all knew that she was there for them when needed. Gloria was previously married to Billy Shaw and that union was blessed with a loving daughter, Jennifer Nicole. She was preceded in death by one son, Brendon Parrott. She leaves to cherish fond memories: a loving husband, Manning L. Brisbane; one daughter, Jennifer (Antonio) Ray of Ellenwood, Ga; a son, Manning (Laronda) Durant of District Heights, Md,; a special niece, reared in her home, Chastey (Bishop Anthony) Gibson; nine grandchildren: Shanease, Addison, Anyla, Jordan, Milan, Gabrielle, Jabari, Collin and Corbin as well as others whom she was affectionately known as “Grandmama”; three siblings: Leroy Maple of East Orange, NJ, James (Annie Mae) Choice, and John (Patricia) Choice of Sumter, SC; one aunt, Louise S. Grant of Fairburn, Ga.; goddaughters: Latonya Moton and Alicia McKnight; special friends who were like sisters: Tina Wilson, Patricia Bracey, and Ruby Pringle; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Gloria Jean Johnson S. Brisbane

May 20, 1943 - December 23, 2014