Gloria Jean Jones

Gloria Jean Jones, 62, of Austintown, affectionately known to her loved ones as “Goo Goo”, gained her angel wings in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 15th, surrounded by her loved ones, at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown. 

She was born October 28, 1962 in Youngstown, a daughter of Jack W. and Dorothy G. (Whiteside) Gardner. 

Gloria was a lifelong resident of Youngstown and a 1980 graduate of East High School. She left pieces of her heart everywhere she went. Gloria was best known for her huge heart and infectious laugh. She impacted all those around her with her generosity, love, kindness and amazing sense of humor. Gloria was passionate about crafting beautiful things, especially for Christmas. She looked forward to being able to bless others with her creations and cookie trays at Christmas time. She was a wonderful cook and loved to bake, and was known to effortlessly create Christmas magic for her children and loved ones. 

Gloria leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband, John Paul Jones, Jr., whom she married October 28, 2000. She also leaves behind her loving mother, Dorothy Gardner; son Freddy (Kylie Alexander) Mercado; daughters, Mandy (Nicholas Dominic) Mercado and Natalie (Vincent) Marbley; her step-children; Marie (Dustin) Shetterley, Amy Jones, and John Paul Jones, III; her sisters, Terri Valentino, and Lorrie Gardner and her son, Brandon, who is going to miss his “Goria”; her brother, Jack Gardner; her beloved grandchildren; Nicholas (Lezlee), Janessa (Paul), Greyson, Trey, Jakobi, and Amir; step-grandchildren; Chandler, Jo Lynn, John Paul, IV, Victoria, Courtney, and Dustin; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

Waiting at Heaven’s gate to welcome her is her father Jack, son Joseph Mercado, grandparents Walter and Lena Whiteside and Elmer and Millie Gardner, and several aunts and uncles. 

Memorial services for Gloria will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, December 23rd at the Lane Funeral Home Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown, with Pastor Dave Watkins officiating. 

Friends may call one hour prior to services from 1:00-2:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.

Merry Christmas Mommy. We love you.