Gloria Renee “Punkin” Stone was born May 27th, 1957, in Champaign, Illinois, to Malachi and Mollie (Pelmore) Stone. Gloria accepted Christ into her life at an early age at Morning Star Freewill Baptist Church in Urbana, Illinois. While Gloria liked to visit and fellowship with neighboring churches, she was a current member of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Champaign.
“Punkin” as she was fondly called attended Champaign public schools and graduated from Champaign Central High School in 1975. She retired from the University of Illinois in 2012. “Punkin” loved to spend time with her family, travel, shop and have prayer groups with her Sister Circle; but most of all she loved to cook. She used to always say, “I can’t give you any money but, I can feed you!”. And feed the people she did. She was famous for her chicken n’ dressing, her caramel cake, her sweet potato pies and last but certainly not least, her macaroni and cheese. “Punkin” was a loving soul and always willing to help. Through “Angels of Mercy”, which she co-founded, they were able to help families in the community during their time of need in any way they could. “Punkin” was also a member of the Champaign Traveling Club and the Culinary Committee at her church.
Gloria Renee “Punkin” Stone was called home to get her crown of glory on Tuesday May 17th, 2022, at 6:49pm after a five-year battle with breast and ovarian cancer. She was a true fighter, her faith never wavered, nor did she complain. Gloria was a one of a kind and will truly be missed.
Gloria was survived by her three children Tyno (Lawanda) Wicks, Knichola Stone and Aleya Douglas, all of Champaign, IL. Her five children of the heart, Jonte Rollins of Houston, Texas; Kwanesha Aker, Veronica Buchanan, and Stacy Pierson, all of Champaign, IL; and William Dixon of Urbana, IL. Gloria also leaves four brothers, Steve (Yvonne) Pelmore Sr. of Chicago,IL; Dexter Stone of Urbana,IL; Glenn Johnson of Michigan and Michael Stone of California. Seven sisters, Luedella Harris of Champaign, IL; Mae Pelmore, Martha Stone and Michelle Stone-Atkins all of Urbana, IL; Aquelle Stone of Rockford, IL; Debra Webb of Idaho and Charlene George of California. Also mourning Gloria’s passing are 13 grandchildren Dorian Wills, Nilyn Brown, Isaiah Douglas, Maurion Wicks, Elijah Beasley, Brian Miller, Destoni Cobb, Malaysia Wicks, Aramis Catchings, Allena Wilson, Azaria Isom, Rayne Steele and 11 great-grandchildren. And her “Special Sisters”, Stella Patterson, Keither Gill, Madeleine Davis-Pugh, Phyllis Driver, Kim DuPont, Natdell Stone and Verna Jackson. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents and her second Father Rueben Moore. Five brothers, Miguel, Melvin, Freddie and Nathaniel Stone and Charles Sturies. Five sisters, Louise Stone, Mellody Stone-Rose, Ann Stone-Lemons, Sheila Gibson and Sarah Benjamin and a Special Sister, Christina Stone.
A Celebration of Life will commence at 11AM, Friday, May 27, 2022, at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, Champaign. A Public viewing will be held from 10AM until the start of the service. Additionally, a Visitation will commence from 5-8PM, Thursday, May 26, 2022, at Leek & Son Funeral Home-Urbana. The family is scheduled to be present. Gloria Stone will be laid to rest at Lincoln Cemetery. Pastor Rickey E. Parks, Eulogist.
Live stream Video will begin at 10:45am Friday
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