Gloria Jean Eubanks

Gloria Jean Eubanks made her triumphant arrival on March 28, 1946. She was the youngest of 9 siblings and the only child born to the union of Manuel and Emma Bennett. Gloria was born in Chicago, IL and was passionately known by her family and friends as “Jean”. As a child, Jean began her educational development in Chicago Public Schools. She was an exceptionally gifted student and she excelled throughout her academic career. Jean was so advanced that she finished high school in 3 years and graduated early from Crane High School at age 16. Upon graduating high school, she enrolled in nursing school at Malcolm X College and simultaneously united in holy matrimony with Rogers Eubanks Jr, on August 21, 1963. To this union, 16 beautiful children were born. Jean was a devoted and loyal wife for over 42 years. She honored her vows and was faithful until the death of her beloved husband on August 20, 2006. Jean accepted Christ at an early age at Little Jerusalem COGIC under the leadership of Pastor Rodgers Eubanks Sr. She later joined Friendly Temple COGIC under the leadership of Bishop E.M. Walker. Upon retiring to Iowa, she joined the Apostolic Faith Church with her son Pastor Keith Eubanks. During her tenure, Jean operated in all of her gifts. She was a Sunday School Teacher, Missionary, Church Mother, Mentor, and Counselor to young women and newlyweds. She also wrote poems and skits for her church and served in various capacities and ministries within the church and community. She was a dedicated woman of faith and her love for God was remarkable and noted by everyone who encountered her. Her Last words were “Lord let your will be done” and her daily conversation always began or ended with an acknowledgment of God and her aim to please Him. Jean had an affinity for poetry, which led her to write a book of poetry and various other books. She was further inspired to expand her writing after she met a renowned poet Nikki Giovanni at a poetry conference. She began to write short stories and children’s books that were later featured in conferences around the world. Jean was loved by everyone she encountered. Her magnetic attraction and personable personality made it easy for others to confide in and feel close to her. She was kind to everyone, even strangers would often spend time with her and glean from the wisdom and love that she freely shared with everyone. Jean was a devoted server. She served the homeless, sick, and under-served. Her life of service caused her to be featured in a documentary that shared her experiences and involvement in her community. She also received letters from the White House on numerous occasions for her writings and concerns for her community. Jean was a great mother, and she loved her children and trained them to be godly and loving individuals. She was also a loving grandmother to her grandchildren and had a very special connection with them. She would often remark that she loved her family and that her family was her pride and joy, and reason for living. Jean was also a beautiful sister, aunt, and friend to many. She was very close to her amazing niece Elaine and was instrumental in rearing her. She also played a major role in raising and guiding a host of other family members, neighbors, and friends. Jean went home to live with the Lord on June 2, 2023, at 11:53 pm. Preceding her in death, are her parents Emma and Manuel Bennett; sisters, Geneva Walls, and Thelma Eubanks; her beloved Husband Rogers Eubanks Jr; her beautiful Children Terrence and Annette Eubanks; mother and father in Law Lucy and Rodger Eubanks Sr; sisters in law, Gloria, Dorothy, Rosemary, Marilyn, Linda, Joyce, brothers in law, Samuel, Elijah, James, Clearance, and Matthew; Her beloved cousin whom she loved dearly, Wilma Catchings. She leaves to cherish her memory 14 children: Wanda, Rogers III, Larry, Richard (Reneva), Darrick (Kim), Rosalind (Micheal) Porter, Jerry (Marcia), Keith (Cornetta), Tashika, Christopher (Phenetta), Jermell (Shermayne), Finese, Mark (Christina), and Timothy; 73 Grandchildren, 66 great -grand children, 3 great-great-grandchildren; and one Niece, Elaine.

Gloria Jean Eubanks

March 28, 1946 - June 2, 2023