Gloria Jean Makey

Gloria Jean Makey passed away on July 17, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on March 27, 1943, in San Diego, CA, Gloria’s life was a testament to her faith, her family and her friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Harriett Weakland, stepfather, Jack Weakland, father, Dean Stephenson, sister, Sharon Riley and niece, Jennifer Riley.

Gloria is survived by her devoted husband, Bill Makey, children Craig (Lori) Makey and Jana (Clain) Walker, grandchildren, Justin (Ashley) Walker, Danielle (Vincent) Igancio Holmes, Cameron Walker, Ann (Phil) Burton/Simpson, Travis Burton, Josh Madore and Will Makey, 11 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren (with another one on the way), and many nieces and nephews.

Being raised in a military family, Gloria attended 11 different schools and has lived at 34 different addresses from California to Minnesota to Washington to Massachusetts, all the way down to Key West, FL where she met her true love, Bill, while she was a senior in high school and he was a sailor in the Navy. Gloria’s love story with Bill spanned 62 years and was filled with love, happiness and dedication to each other.

Gloria and Bill moved to Titusville, FL with their children, Craig and Jana, in 1977 from Buffalo, NY. Soon after moving to Titusville, she started working for the local Sears store where she retired after 25 years of service. While at Sears, Gloria made many friends whom she continued to stay in contact with. Each month, a group of the “Old Sears Girls” would get together for lunch and enjoy each other’s company.

Traveling with Bill as her pilot was one of Gloria’s great joys. They traveled the country pulling their camper – from Bangor, ME, to Puget Sound, WA, to southern CA. She experienced traveling with Bill and the kids to Europe where they toured 7 different countries with her sister Sharon’s family of 5. Gloria loved being outdoors. Whether it was tending to plants in her yard, walking the Natchez Trace, or hiking park trails on one of their many trips, she enjoyed being outside and enjoying all of God’s creations.

Nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her family. Gloria loved the family get-togethers throughout the years when she was able to enjoy time spent with her children and grandchildren. She loved watching the grand-and great-grandchildren excel at what they loved doing best: games of T-ball, baseball, basketball and singing at concerts.

She had a true faith in God. Gloria was faithful in attending church from the time she was a child until she was no longer able to physically attend. Gloria wanted others to see Jesus through her. She was always smiling, passing out compliments and willing to pass out a few dollars to someone in need, regardless of whether they were a friend or a stranger.

Gloria’s life was a portrait of courage, facing life’s challenges with a steadfast heart. She was the embodiment of love, always putting her family first and ensuring they knew they were loved unconditionally. Her presence was a comforting constant, and her absence will be felt deeply by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00AM Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 3671 South Hopkins Avenue Titusville, FL 32780. Inurnment will be 10:00AM Monday, September 15, 2025 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US 1 Mims, FL 32754.