Gloria Joyce Clayton, born Gloria Joyce Hankins, passed away on January 23, 2024 in Sacred Heart Hospital in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Gloria's life was filled with love, faith and service to her family and community.

Gloria was an active participant in St. Rita Catholic Church in Santa Rosa Beach, where she held various roles including Eucharistic Minister, reader and Communion Catechist. She also served as a treasurer and vice president of the St. Rita Council of women for 10 years. Gloria's dedication to her faith extended beyond her church, as she was a member of Pensacola Tallahassee DCCW and participated in bible studies, prayer groups and home and hospital visits to the sick as a Eucharistic Minister. She took great joy in organizing and scheduling mass services at Sacred Heart Hospital. Gloria's commitment to her volunteer mission was admired by many Priests and fellow church friends; whom she was very close to.

In addition to her involvement in the church, Gloria enjoyed working in her son-in-law Valentine and Rhodes M.D. vascular surgical practice. Her warm and caring nature endeared her to everyone and she played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the office.

Gloria leaves behind her loving daughter, Brenda Rhodes and fiancé Jimmy Macon and grandchildren, Josette, Amanda, Brett, Shane, Dylan and Aleana Rhodes. She was also blessed with twelve great grandchildren, Will, Kali, Lorelei, Aurora, Noelle, Breyanna, Taryn, Danica, Zane, Jasmine, Jewel and John. Gloria's niece, Joanne Flachsmann and husband John were also dear to her heart. Additionally, Gloria was survived by five great-great-grandchildren Emmilou, Ricky, Max, Gracelynn and Willow.

Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Howard Hankins, her sister Joan Parker and husband Harold, son William Clayton, son-in-law Valentine J. Rhodes M.D., daughter Sharon Bologna, granddaughter Faith Bologna and her great-granddaughter Ashley Sartain.

Gloria's legacy of love, faith and service will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and the community she touched with her kindness and devotion. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Funeral Services  will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Saint Rita Catholic Church; 22 St Rita Ln, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.

Burial will follow at Historic Gulf Cemetery in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Flowers are being accepted.