Gloria J. Godfrey

Gloria Jean Brooks was born on March 13, 1965, in Geneva, Alabama, to the late J.T. Brooks Sr. and Ola Mae Brooks. From an early age, Gloria accepted Christ and developed a strong foundation of faith. She was a faithful member of Deliverance Temple in Geneva, Alabama, and later joined Faith Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, where she continued to serve and worship with dedication.
Gloria graduated from Geneva High School, Class of 1984. Growing up in Geneva, she formed deep and lasting friendships that she cherished throughout her life. Her childhood friends from    Geneva and Enterprise, Alabama held a special place in her heart, and their bond remained meaningful over the years.
From a young age, Gloria had big dreams and an expressive, bubbly personality. One of her childhood dreams was to become an actress, as she loved being seen, heard, and celebrated. She enjoyed going to the beach, shopping, and spending quality time with her sisters and cousins. Gloria and her sisters shared countless memories together, often laughing over buffet dinners and enjoying movie nights. She loved to dress well, look good, and feel good, and she never left home without her signature pink or red lipstick, which became one of her trademarks.
In the late 1980s, Gloria lived in Germany as a military spouse, a chapter of her life she truly treasured. During this time, she married the late Preston Penn Sr. While overseas, she proudly served soldiers by working in the DFAC and enjoyed socializing at the NCO Club. She embraced the opportunity to travel throughout Germany with her girlfriends and siblings from her hometown of Geneva, Alabama, creating memories that she spoke of fondly.
Gloria was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Family meant everything to her. She enjoyed shopping, exercising, walking, dancing, and participating in fitness programs such as Curves and Zumba. She especially cherished time spent with her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. Gloria also loved traveling, particularly to Fayetteville and Augusta, Florida, and spending time with her PCB family.
Gloria Jean Brooks was preceded in death by her siblings: J.T. Brooks Sr., Jerry Brooks, Robert Earl Brooks, and Earnest Brooks.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory her siblings: Martha Lois Hornsby of Enterprise, Alabama; Shirley Anne Brooks of Enterprise, Alabama Eddie Brooks Sr. (Vanessa Brooks) of Charleston, South Carolina;  Lola Mae Smith (Jeffery Smith Sr.) of Daleville AL and Letha Mae Penn (Percy Penn) of Topeka, Kansas. She is also survived by her son, Preston Penn Jr. (Andreya Penn) of North Augusta, South Carolina; her daughter, Portia Godfrey (Jermero Toote) of Fayetteville, North Carolina; and her beloved grandchildren: Jordyn Ivwurie, Aubrie Rosario, Xavier Penn, Yanna Penn, Amani Penn, Amira Penn, Asaan Toote, and Preston Penn III.
Gloria Jean Brooks will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, her smile, her sense of style, her laughter, and the deep love she shared with her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

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