Gloria Jean Abston Bratcher, 85, of Florence, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Lauderdale Christian Nursing Home. She was born August 4,1938 to Marvin and Rona Wilks Abston. She married her high school sweetheart, James, on August 25, 1957.
She graduated from Central High School in 1956. Her career as a lab tech carried her to ECM, Shoals Hospital, and Colonial Manor Hospital. She was a charter member of the IBC Women’s Organization. For many years she taught children’s Bible classes at Salem Church of Christ. She loved the Lord and was always “dressed to a T”.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Rona Abston.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, James Bratcher; son, Mark; grandsons, Dylan (Erika) and Sidney (Emily) Bratcher; great grandchildren, Olivia, Ari, and Knox Bratcher; sister, Dorothy Alexander (Charles); brothers, Bill Abston (Linda) and James (Margaret) Abston; brother-in-law, Donnie Bratcher (Harriet); and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Pallbearers will be Sidney Bratcher, Dylan Bratcher, Duane Alexander, Darren Alexander, Shannon Abston, and DeWayne Davis.
The family would like to thank Shoals Home Healthcare, Dr. Tim Ashley, Lindsey Mangum and the staff at Lauderdale Christian Nursing Home, Karen Patterson, and Marsha Bratcher. Thank you for all your acts of kindness.
Visitation will be Friday, May 24, 2024, from 12-2 p.m. at Salem Church of Christ. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at Greenview Memorial Park. Officiating will be Andy Kizer.
“Mama, I brushed my teeth.”
