Gloria Kitchens

Gloria Swanson Kitchens, the matriarch of the Kitchens family was born June 28, 1927, in Mitchell, GA. She was the daughter of Mr. Ernest D. Bell and Mrs. Katie Mae (Mosley) Bell. Gloria received her education in a one room schoolhouse in Mitchell, GA. Gloria met her husband, John Louie Kitchens in their hometown of Mitchell; and, on August 21, 1948, they were joined in marriage. They moved to Atlanta, GA that same year and were married for 56 years. To the marriage, three sons were born, Perry, Dwight, and Ronnie Kitchens. At an early age, Gloria joined the St. Paul A.M.E. Church and remained affiliated throughout the years until the church closed its doors. She continued to serve Christ after moving to Atlanta, GA by joining First Baptist Church of Reynoldstown. The church relocated and became First Baptist Church Gresham Road. She was a faithful member until her health interfered with attending weekly Sunday service. She served on the Usher Board and Mother’s Board, and she also served as the President of the Mother’s Board. Gloria was a Homemaker, and the family/neighborhood childcare provider. She was an excellent cook and learned how to cook at an early age by cooking for her parents and siblings. She enjoyed baking cakes and pies for her family and the church on special holidays and events. She was known for her Pound, Chocolate, Caramel, and Coconut Cakes and Sweet Potato, Lemon Meringue, and Pecan Pies. But, her staple was making homemade “BISCUITS!” Her husband Louie and grandson Bo Man could AND would eat a whole pan of biscuits in one sitting, if they were allowed. Gloria also learned how to sew and started making her own dresses, jackets and big heavy quilts for the cold winter nights. Gloria was loved and well respected by her family, peers, and neighbors. She enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren, family members and neighborhood children. Gloria enjoyed having fun with her birthdays too. She would remind her family members regularly about what JUNE 28TH was, while clapping and rubbing her hands together. Her family knew she only wanted two things for her birthday and that was “CASH” and a meal at “GOLDEN CORRAL” with family and friends. As Gloria’s health declined, she was unable to attend church regularly, but she still watched the services via the streaming service and held conversations with her church friends Mother Rosie L. Williams and Mother Wavie Roberts. Gloria cherished her special friendships with Mother Roberts, Mother Williams and Mrs. Shirley Beach. They tried to always communicate at least twice or more a month. Gloria was preceded in death by her loving husband John L. Kitchens, two sons Perry and Dwight Kitchens, sisters, Mary Agnes Scott, Elsie Kate Stubbs and Alice E. Lowe. She made her exit to eternal glory on Thursday morning at 10:45am, March 28, 2024, at Heritage Hospice and Palliative Care in Marietta, GA. Gloria’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her loving son Ronnie, daughter-in-laws Norma Jean, Tonya and Kay, grandchildren Broderick (Connie), Keanna (Reginald), Shamora (Craig), Shrada, Sarah, Gloria, Ronnie JL, and Patrick, great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives, friends and church members.

Tributes

Gloria Kitchens

June 28, 1927 - March 28, 2024