Visitation: Friday, July 25, 2025
Visitation Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Visitation Location: Greater St. Paul AME Church
1040 S. Parramore Avenue
Orlando, Florida
Service Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church
2525 W. Church Street
Orlando, Florida
Obituary:
Reverend Gloria Jean Houser, 78, of Orlando, transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, July 11, 2025. Reverend Houser was born on December 10, 1946 in Douglas, GA to the late Sallie P. Braswell and L.C. Gifford Sr.
Reverend Houser was a dynamic leader and servant of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for over 25 years. Her dedicated and faithful ministry allowed her to serve several churches in the Central Florida Conference including: New Bethel, Polk City, St. John, Wiersdale, Mt. Pisgah, Belleview, Mt. Zion, Deleon Springs, St. James, Inverness, Mt. Olive, Coleman and Ball Chapel, St. Cloud. The motto Reverend Houser carried with her, “if I can help somebody as I pass this way, then my living shall not be in vain” became a major tool she used to guide countless souls to the ever- open door of Christ. Gaining the love and respect from many, Reverend Housers’ light became a strong, gravitational pillar for every community she served.
In addition to her ministerial duties, Reverend Houser was a former assisted living coordinator at Westminster Towers Nursing Facility in Orlando, FL for 18 years. She received her A.A. degree from Columbia College, her B.S. degree from Columbia College, her Business Administration degree from Edward Waters College, and a Masters of Divinity degree from Turner Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA, with a concentration in Pastoral Care. She was the recipient of several awards and honors to include Department of Elder Affairs, Management Training Program, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Civilian Police Academy. She enjoyed reading the bible and spending time with her beloved grandchildren. Reverend Houser was a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, Servant leader and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Reverend Houser breathed her last breath and put on her new robe of glory on Friday, July 11th, 2025. Her ministry and legacy will live on in the hearts of her beloved children, Cathy P. (William) Edwards, Scotty Lee (Gerri) Davis, Ronald D. Davis; half brother, Charles M. Gifford; half sisters, Betty Jean Gifford, Debra Forrest, Cynthia Gifford; 17 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; 9 great-great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives, colleagues, former congregations and numerous friends. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 5-7PM at Greater St. Paul AME Church, 1040 S. Parramore Avenue, Orlando. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, 11:00 AM at Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2525 W. Church Street, Orlando with The Right Reverend Marvin C. Zanders II, Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District, eulogist. Interment: Glen Haven Memorial Park, Winter Park, FL.
4 Comments
In God’s care you rest above, in my hearts you stay with love. ~ Love your nieces.
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO THE FAMILY OF REVEREND GLORIDA JEAN HOUSER. SENDING LOVE ANBD PRAYERS.
WOMEN OF DISTINCTION CHAT AND CHEW CLUB
OSCEOLA COUNTY
PRESIDENT: MAMIE LONG KELLY
SECRETARY: WILLIE BELL COLEMAN-SMITH
Keeping The Family Lifted Up In Prayer During This Difficult Time Of Loss. MONICA DENISE SCOTT OKAY
Reverend I can’t believe you left us so quickly!!! You and Reverend Demps were my road partners every Monday night going to College at EWU and you both left me to be with the LORD Suddenly!!! No chance to say good bye or even to give you a hug… every church you pastored I was there to help and you did the same for me.. my friend you will be greatly missed!! You always called me one of your daughters.. you had so many spiritual daughters… Sleep on in the LORD!! ❤️
Add Comment