Gloria Brown Creech

Mrs. Gloria Brown Creech, age 70, passed away on March 12, 2026, after a long battle with numerous health problems. Gloria was born in Johnston County on April 1, 1955, to the late Johnnie Barden Brown and Pearl Thompson Brown.

After having two sons in a row, Gloria's parents were thrilled to have a girl. Her mother wanted to name her Pride and Joy, but they settled on Gloria Gail. Most friends referred to her as "Doodle."

Gloria was a 1973 graduate of Smithfield-Selma Sr. High School and attended Hardbarger Business College in Raleigh. Soon after completion of her education, she began her career at Nationwide Insurance in Raleigh and retired from there.

In her spare time, Gloria enjoyed cooking, sewing, quilting, and other crafts and took great pride in her workmanship. She also enjoyed spending time at the beach and going on camping trips. Gloria was a long-time member of Branch Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, and before her health failed, she sang in the church choir, which she loved immensely.

In addition to all these activities, Gloria found time to be a caregiver and companion for her mother and brother, Jerry, as they each faced health issues.

Later in life, Gloria lived at Autumn Home Care in Selma and, more recently, at The Indigo at Pikeville, where she greeted everyone with a warm and loving hug. She enjoyed participating in many of the activities they offered.

Gloria lived a life of resiliency. She was a two-time cancer survivor and endured other health problems with grace and confidence. Though dementia gradually affected her memory, Gloria's loving spirit and awareness of those around her remained strong. We find comfort in knowing that she is in the presence of the Lord, whom she loved, and that her mind and body are fully restored.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., officiating Rev. Johnny Sullivan, in the Branch Chapel Church Cemetery, 7438 US Highway 96 North, Selma, NC. Visitation will follow the service.

Survivors include her loving daughter, April Creech Wilkinson and her husband, Jamey, of Kenly. She adored her only grandchild, Addison Gail Wilkinson of Kenly. She is also survived by her faithful and caring brother, Craig Olive of Clayton. Other siblings include Angela Olive, James Phillip "Tip" Olive, Martin "Fuzzy" Olive, and Terry Ann Olive Nichols. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving K-9 companion, Barden.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Randy Creech; her brothers Wayne, Dennis, Danny, and Jerry Brown, Bill and Ronnie Olive; and her sisters Brenda Brown Dixon, Betty Lee Olive Carroll, and Cathy Daniels.

We are thankful for the care Gloria received from the staff of Autumn Home Care, The Indigo at Pikeville, and Gentiva Hospice. We also want to thank the staff of Parrish Funeral Home for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011; Free Will Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557; or The Pearl Thompson Olive Scholarship at Johnston Community College, Attention: College Foundation, P.O. Box 2350, Smithfield, NC 27577.

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