Gloria Jean Brown

Gloria Jean Brown, affectionately known as “Jean,” went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the age of 72. She passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Jean was born July 20th, 1952, to Daisy L. Brown and Albert McClinton. She was lovingly raised by her aunt Carrie Teal and her grandmother Irene McClinton, who instilled in her a deep faith, strength, and compassion that guided her throughout her life.

She graduated from York High School in 1970 and later moved to New York City, where she built a new life and spiritual foundation. Jean joined Holy Sacred Baptist Church, serving faithfully as an usher and in many other roles. She was a pillar in the church — always willing to help and always dependable. She eventually returned to York, South Carolina in 1976, where she rejoined her roots and continued to share her gentle spirit and love with family and community.

Jean had many talents and hobbies — she loved to knit and crochet, and she found joy in reading. But her most extraordinary gift was caregiving. She played a vital role in helping raise her sister Alberta and Harry Gilmore’s four children: Harry Mason Gilmore Jr., Myteka Gilmore, Eba Gilmore (deceased), and Omar Gilmore. She thought the world of her great-great nephew Preston Dicks. Jean was not just a helping hand — she was a constant, loving presence. Every chance she was thanked or told “I love you,” she’d always respond with “I love you too.”

Jean is survived by her brothers Arthur L. Brown of Rock Hill, SC; Bobby McClinton of Charlotte, NC; Gerry D. Nance of High Point, NC; Clark Meredith of Gastonia, NC; and Philmore Clark of Gastonia, NC; her sisters Alberta Gilmore of Rock Hill, SC; Sheila Juanita Brown of Gastonia, NC; and Carolyn Rhodes of York, SC; her brother-in-law Harry Gilmore of Rock Hill, SC; her aunts Marie Hill of York, SC and Emma Lowry of Rock Hill, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved deeply and selflessly.

A special acknowledgment goes to her great-niece Avion Dicks, who stood by her side as her caregiver and companion until the very end. Jean loved Avion dearly, and their bond was one of profound trust, comfort, and care.

The family would also like to thank the care team at Providence Health Care, including Nurse Rhoda Rose, CNA Sue, Nurse Brenda Jules, Chaplain Michael Quinn, and Nurse Cassie, for their attentive and compassionate service in Jean’s final days.

Jean was preceded in death by her mother Daisy L. Brown, father Albert McClinton, brother John Brown, sisters Ruby G. White and Dorthy McClinton, and her nephew Eba Damian Gilmore.

Jean will surely be missed by all who knew and loved her. She was a beautiful soul, a nurturing presence, and now, a beautiful angel with the Lord.