Gloria Jack

Gloria Marie Jack, age 66, peacefully passed away at Research Medical Center January 15, 2026. Gloria loved the Lord and gave her life to Christ at the age of 12. Born and raised in East St. Louis, IL, Gloria attended and graduated from East Side High School. After losing her father in 1973 and her mother in 1975, Gloria experienced unimaginable loss at a young age. At just 15 years old, she went to live with her mother’s sister, a transition that helped shape her strength, independence, and resilience.

In her twenties, Gloria relocated to Kansas City, where she built a life grounded in faith, service, and love. During this time, she raised 2 beautiful children, Carrisa and Darren. She devoted her life to being a great mother and providing a life for her children that she could only imagine as a child growing up in the 60's.

She formed lifelong friendships with women who became sisters to her: Hilda, Puggie, Lynn, Katy, Trenette, Lisa and Samatha built bonds that remained strong throughout her life. Affectionately known as “Mama Glo” or “Ms. Glo”, was known for her very direct personality. She said what she meant and meant what she said but her heart was just as big as her honesty which led her to love politics, community service and black history. Gloria loved going to thrift stores and food pantries, often intending to buy just a few items but leaving with baskets full, because she was always thinking of everyone else.

Gloria had a deep and abiding love for the Lord, and the love she showed others reflected it daily. Her kindness, generosity, and compassion spoke louder than words. She devoted 20 years of faithful service to the Center for Behavioral Health, retiring in 2019 due to her health.

Above all, Gloria found her greatest joy in loving and spending time with her grandchildren. She cherished the simple moments like having her nails polished, her hair brushed or watching them color a page just for her. It was always the little things that brought the biggest smiles to her face and filled her heart with joy. A true warrior, Gloria fought every obstacle that came against her body with courage, resilience, and unwavering trust in God. Through every challenge, she remained steadfast in faith, leaning on the promises of the Lord and serving as an example of strength and perseverance.

Gloria’s favorite Bible verse was Psalms 23 1-6.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Ollie and Hollie Jack; her longtime spouse, Gregory Valliant; her brother, Maurice Jack, and Josephine Wilburn. Gloria is survived by her older brother, Floyd Jack; her two children, Carissa Jack-Hall and Darren Jack-Brown (Latoya); her cherished grandchildren, Nyla Jack, Rylee Jack, Darren Jack; and her beloved cousin Richard Townsend (Janet); along with a host of extended family and loved ones.