Gloria Chatmon Kelsey was born February 5, 1942 in Auburn, Alabama to the late Richard and Margaret Chatmon. After a courageous battle with cancer, she peacefully transitioned at her home on July 19, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.

Gloria was a 1959 graduate of Lee County Training School in Auburn, Alabama, where she was an exceptional student and majorette. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee and later received a Master of Education Degree in Counseling from Georgia State University. While attending Knoxville College, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1961. She was a lifelong member of St. Luke CME Church where she faithfully served as both a Stewardess and a Trustee.

Gloria began her teaching career at Boggs Academy where she met and married a young soldier, Samuel Kelsey on December 12, 1964. To this union were born two children, Xander and Cydonna. Gloria supported her husband’s military career, accompanying him on assignments to Germany, Fort Benning and Fort Stewart, Georgia. Through her own distinguished career, she worked as the supervisor for several Education Centers where she assisted hundreds of soldiers pursue their higher education goals. Her commitment to education and service culminated in a remarkable 40-year career with United States Civil Service before her retirement.

In retirement, Gloria’s favorite activities were crocheting and going to the casino. When leaving her home, visitors often left with her handmade knitted dishcloths, her famous homemade “chow chow”, and a few jars of her delicious jelly.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Ezekiel Scott and grandson Christopher Gray. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 62 years, Samuel Kelsey; children Xander W. Kelsey and Cydonna Gray (Kenneth); beloved grandchildren Kayce Josey (Kennith), Jestin Anthony, Kenneth Gray II (Alexis), Carmen Gray; adored great-grandsons Kenneth “Tripp” Gray, Kennith “Trent” Josey and Khristian Gray; sister Eleanor C. Scott; brother Melvin Chatmon; sister-in-law Ollie Samas (Robert); brother-in-law David Mitchell; nieces Beryl Scott-Washington, Valerie Harris (Randy), Swantje Scott, LaSonja Scott; nephew Lynn Scott (Cheryl), and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Homegoing Celebration will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 10 am CST at St. Luke CME Church, with Reverend Tony Longshore, officiating. Interment will follow at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, Alabama. Visitation is Monday from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Progressive Funeral Home. In lieu of a funeral repast, the family will make a donation to the John B. Amos Cancer Center.

Progressive Funeral Home staff considers it an honor and a privilege to serve the Family of Mrs. Gloria Kelsey.