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Gloria Taylor Morantez, age 84, of Andalusia, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Oct. 6, 2024.

Gloria is the daughter of Myrtie Whatley Taylor and Julian Taylor and the sister of Bobbie Rogers (Bill), the late Helen Wambles (Jimmy), the late Virginia Henry (Joe), and the late Ray Taylor (Elli). She was a beloved mother to her daughters, Pamela Barrett (Joey) and Paige Beavers (Chris), and her son, Neivon Morantez (Michelle). She was a loving and devoted “Nana” to Chase, Cameron, Sydney, Christopher, Payton, Cary Anne, Coleman, Caleb, Lauren, Leigh, and Renee, a devout great-grandmother to Gabriel, Miguel, Selena, Javier, Julian, Rayce, Mila, Marlan, and Laurel, and a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Gloria was born in Andalusia and later moved to Destin after her marriage to David Morantez. A resident of Destin for more than 50 years, it was there that she and David raised their family and she became “Miss Gloria” or “Nana” to many that had the privilege of getting to know her and understand that for Gloria, loving was a part of living. In recent years, Gloria returned to Andalusia and took pride in her immaculate little lakeside home near her sister Bobbie and brother-in-law, Bill, where she entertained her son and daughters and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She became a devoted parishioner of Andalusia Full Gospel Tabernacle. Her family wishes to thank the staff and congregation for providing her with so much joy in these final years of her life and for their show of support in these days leading up to her next journey.

Gloria loved her morning cup of coffee and was an avid reader of the scriptures and any other literature that brought her closer to the Lord. She loved gardening and was skilled at nurturing beautiful plants of all varieties. Gloria also had a passion for sports and loved watching anything competitive from football to golf. Being together with Nana for the annual Iron Bowl will always hold a special place in the hearts of her family and friends. Gloria meant so much to so many people, and she was a close friend and surrogate mother to all those who needed her. She will be sadly missed. The family would like to extend their appreciation to DaySpring Hospice and all their compassionate caregivers. The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones throughout Gloria’s battle means so much to the family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at Andalusia Full Gospel Tabernacle at 1600 Stanley Avenue, Andalusia, AL 36420 on Friday, Oct. 11, at 11 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Andalusia Full Gospel Tabernacle Benevolence Fund.