Minister Gloria Jean Epperson

Minister Gloria Jean Epperson was one of ten children born to the union of the late Thomas James Smith and Rosie Lee Walker-Smith on February 23, 1958 in Alamo, TN. She departed this life and moved to her heavenly home on Thursday, March 28, 2024. She was a beacon of life, love, and hope. She was full of faith and loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! She received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at a very young age. She graduated from Crockett County Alamo High School in Alamo, TN. After graduation, she set out to accomplish her career and family goals of marrying, starting a family, and finishing cosmetology school at West Tennessee Business College. She began to work and serve in ministry by becoming a Sunday School Teacher at First Baptist Church in Alamo,TN. She had the gift of not only making people feel beautiful, but partnered with Jesus in beautifying the hearts and minds of her community. Her salon was more than a place for hair appointments, it was a sanctuary where lives were prayed for, friendships were formed, and love and laughter echoed throughout the space. She loved and nurtured women across Jackson through A Touch of Glory Hair Salon for decades. While hairdressing was Gloria’s occupation, ministry was her first love and passion. She continuously walked in the fullness of the Holy Spirit with a desire and calling of intercessory prayer and connecting people to Jesus Christ. She modeled union with the Father in such a way that inspired others to truly love him. She pastored the former Glory to Glory Ministries in Jackson TN and she was a board member of P31 Ministries. She dedicated her life to praying and reading her Bible (front to back- numerous times!) Whatever Gloria had- she gave it back to the Lord. Her home became a place of worship, her salon became a sanctuary, and her children became monuments of the Father’s faithfulness in her life. She loved her family and was an anointed and excellent woman of God and mother to her children. She was truly a Proverbs 31 Woman! She was preceded in death by her siblings: Thomas Smith Jr., Thomas L. Smith, Vera Mae Dirkes, and Carolyn Avery-Hudson. She leaves behind a legacy of three children and seven grandchildren to fulfill their glorified purpose and destiny: Dawn (Chris) Pewitt, Latoya (Juan) Cole-Rutherford, Gerry Pewitte Jr. Grandchildren: Beth (Samuel) Brown, Anna Cole, Tyler Pewitt, Amber Rutherford, G’Marion Wilburn, Kyra Booker, and Kysin Booker. In addition, she leaves siblings to cherish precious memories: Karen Smith, Stephanie Cooper, Theresa Reams, Bruce (Nadine) Smith, Shirley Smith, Donna (Michael) Green, Ethel (Sam) Reeves, Ilandis (Jinette)Smith, Sr., Gary (Patricia) Smith, and a host of nieces and nephews and extended family. Minister Gloria Epperson will always be loved and cherished by everyone that knew her and encountered her beautiful smile and spirit! She was truly a gift from God that will always be treasured and remembered! To God be the Glory!

Minister Gloria Jean Epperson

February 23, 1958 - March 29, 2024