Obituary of Gloria J Gill

Gloria Jean Gill, 67, of St. Petersburg, FL, passed away on August 17, 2023, at home. Gloria was born on December 17, 1955, in St. Petersburg, Florida, she was the daughter of Walter and Ella (Connell) Kelly.

Gloria was raised as a Southern Baptist and was a member of First Baptist Church of Pinellas Park, Florida. She graduated from Dixie Hollins High School in Pinellas Park, FL, with her cosmetology license.

Gloria had a passion for dancing. As a child, Gloria took lessons in Tap, Jazz, and Ballet. As a child waiting for the school bus, Gloria could be seen moving her feet and practicing dance steps. As an adult, Gloria danced professionally performing in acts in Las Vegas, Nevada. Upon returning to St. Petersburg, Gloria opened the Gloria Jean’s School of Dance in 1978.

Gloria didn’t dance and teach dancing to become rich. She danced and taught dancing because she loved it. That passion for dance was felt by her students, family and friends. Many of her students went on to professional careers in dancing, some even opened their own dance studio.

Gloria’s vivacious smile, tenacity, larger-than-life personality, and unconditional love will continue to be passed on through generations to come.

In 2000, Gloria was in a terrible car accident that forced her to shut down the dance studio. Her health and different ailments slowed her recovery, but she never stopped fighting.

Gloria was preceded in death by her mother, Ella Kelly; her father, LeRoy Kelly; her sister, Janet Thompson and her granddaughter Alexa. Gloria is survived by her husband of 44 years, Michael Gill; children, Shannon Mitchell, Tracy Gill and his wife, Christina Clark, and Meghan Bowman and her husband; sister Sharon Vizandiou; brother Leroy Kelly, Jr.; 7 grandchildren, and many beloved friends and family.

Although Gloria is leaving this earthly plane, she will forever stay in our hearts and minds. This is not good-bye, just see you later.

Please click the link below to join our service via webcast on Friday @ 10am

https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/91707