Gloria Jean Mayers

Gloria Jean Mayers, 90, of Charleston, SC, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 3, 2025.  

A Small Graveside service will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 11 o’clock at Live Oak Memorial Gardens, 3093 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414. 

Gloria was born on April 10th, 1934, in Charleston, SC to the late Ida Mae Owens and Thomas Reeves. After losing both her parents at a young age, she was adopted and raised by her aunt, Clara Owens and husband James Umecker. One day in Charleston, she ended up meeting her soulmate, Raymond Mayers. They married and spent many years traveling the world together while he was serving his country in the U.S. Navy. They would go on and live in; Okinawa Japan, Sipil Yarri Morroco, Cheltenham, Maryland, Guantanamo Bay Cuba, and Homestead Florida. Gloria spent a year raising five children alone when Raymond was away serving in the Vietnam War. After he retired from the Navy, they would go on and settle back down in her hometown of Charleston. Gloria was so happy to return to where all her family and friends were. Her family was the most important thing to her.  

Gloria was a fabulous cook, loved to garden, and was a “sports mom” always cheering on her four sons. You could always catch her singing, and she could harmonize beautifully with anyone. She and her daughter used to sing while doing the dishes every night. Even when she was unable to get around, she played with and sang to her two parakeets, and she enjoyed naming the hummingbirds that she would watch out of her window. Gloria always knew how to find joy in her life.  

Gloria is survived by her daughter, Sharon Ilderton (James Jr.); son, David Mayers; sister, Thomasine McCarthy (Mike); grandchildren, James Ilderton III (Wendy), Brianna Rogers, Thomas Rogers (Kate), Jennifer Valentine, Candice Collier (Jeff), Chesleigh Richardson, Kayla Courtney (Thomas), Raymond Jenkins, Ryan Mayers (Charity); along with 24 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by her husband, Raymond Mayers; parents, Ida Mae Owens and Thomas Reeves; adopted parents, Clara Owens and James Umecker; sons, Alan Mayers, Jimmy Mayers, and Lee Mayers. 

Gloria had many hardships throughout her life, but she powered through them and never complained. Her faith in God kept her going, and reading his word everyday gave her faith that things will get better.  She was a wonderful, loving wife, mother and “granny”. She was so loved by her family and everyone who knew her. 

Arrangements by PARKS FUNERAL HOME, 130 W. 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. www.parksfuneralhome.com 

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