Gloria Brown Peavy was born on June 20, 1929, in Akron, Ohio to Richard C. Brown, Sr. and Fanny (Mann) Brown. She was raised in North Akron and was the oldest of four children. She attended Akron Public Schools, graduating from North High School in 1948. As a child, Gloria spent many summers in Tennessee with her beloved maternal grandparents. She also enjoyed writing, and sang with a local jazz band as a young adult.

In September 1948, Gloria married James L. Peavy, Sr. Together they had four children-Elizabeth, James Jr., Judith and David. The family resided mostly in West Akron, and eventually moved to Norton, Ohio. As a devoted wife and mother, Gloria focused on creating a warm and loving home where she took pride in hosting holiday gatherings with their large group of extended family and friends. She supported her husband in his real estate business and was a champion for civil rights and women’s rights, including joining her oldest daughter Liz in the Poor People’s March, and in Cuba on an educational mission. Gloria took immense joy and pleasure in supporting her children through all of their endeavors in academics, athletics, and activism.

Gloria worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for one year, and was active in the Yokettes (the Women’s Auxiliary of Frontiers International Akron Chapter) and in school PTAs when her children were young. In her youth, she was a member of Akron’s Church of God in Christ on Lafer Avenue (which later became Coburn Street Church of God), and once married, she attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church with her family. In the year 2000, Gloria moved to Bowie, Maryland to be closer to her daughter Judith and her youngest grandchildren. There, she attended New Beginnings Community Church.

Gloria had four beautiful grandchildren and two great-grandchildren to whom she passed on her passion for learning and intellectual curiosity. She encouraged them to strive for excellence and to pursue their dreams with dedication and perseverance.  Always spirited and outspoken, Gloria had a reputation for speaking her mind and standing up for what she believed. If you were her friend, family or someone in need, she was loyal, accepting and generous.

Gloria Brown Peavy was called to her heavenly home on October 6, 2023. She was preceded  in death by her parents Richard Sr. and Fannie Mann Brown; her husband James L. Peavy, Sr.; son, James L. Peavy Jr.; daughter Elizabeth A. Peavy; brothers Richard C. Brown, Jr. and Howard R. Brown, and sister Donna M. Brown.

Gloria will be lovingly remembered by her children Judith (Keith, Sr.) Singletary, David (Kimberly) Peavy, grandchildren Monica Peavy, Jessica (Tamir) Peavy-Muhammad, Samantha Claybon and Keith Singletary, Jr., great-grandchildren Gloria-Gwendolyn and Pearl Peavy-Muhammad, daughter-in-law Marquetta Peavy, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and very special friends Lou, Cecilia and Jason Veal.