Gloria Jean Heidelberg

Gloria J. Smith, 73, of Pickerington, Ohio formerly of Canton, Ohio, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Gloria was born on April 24, 1952, in Canton, Ohio, to the late Hattie Ree Jones and Bonner Milan. She was the fifth of seven children and grew up in a large family. From an early age, Gloria displayed her creativity and passion for sewing, beginning at the age of 9. Saturdays were often spent making an outfit she would joyfully wear to church the very next day. She graduated from Timken Vocational High School, where she earned her apprenticeship certification as a dressmaker and seamstress, and later went on to design clothing and reupholster furniture.

Gloria gave her life to Christ at the age of 7 and faithfully served the Lord throughout her life. She was a devoted member of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Canton for many years, serving as choir director, usher, and in hospitality, among other ministries. In 1993, she joined the House of the Lord in Akron, Ohio, where she sang in the choir and assisted wherever needed. Later, she became a member of First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio, and St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Austin, Texas.

Her career reflected her dedication and discipline. Gloria worked more than 30 years in the Consumer Loan Department at Harter Bank, later United Bank & Trust, in Canton. After moving to Central Ohio in 2005, she became an Adjuster with State Farm Insurance, retiring after nine years of service. She also worked as a tailor for the Ohio State Highway Patrol before fully retiring and relocating to Austin, Texas, with her beloved husband, Delaney Smith.

Gloria was a faithful volunteer at the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon, a devoted homemaker, and a woman of structure and elegance. She enjoyed cooking, journaling, decorating, and spending cherished time with her family. Known for her distinct Victorian style and refined presence, Gloria carried herself with grace in every aspect of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Nathaniel Jones; sisters, Josephine Williams and Patricia Brown; and her beloved pet, Diamond.

Gloria leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory: her loving husband, Delaney Smith; Sisters Annette Ball, Anna Burnett and Darlene Benson all of Canton, Ohio. Her children; Travis Tuck (Mecca) of Westerville, Ohio, Tremayne Tuck (Maria) of Buckeye, Arizona, and Tiffany Appollonio (Christopher) of Pickerington, Ohio; stepdaughters, Katrina and Kayla Smith of Columbus, Ohio; 13 grandchildren, Christian Tuck, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Haley and Jeremy Chovan of Massillon, Ohio; Tyra Tuck of Canton, Ohio, ReGhan and Peyton Tuck of Pataskala, Ohio; Joshua Guardiano (Unk), Andreya Martinez (Ruben) , Emmanuel Tuck (Lawryn) all of Buckeye, Arizona, Yashar Tuck and Elijah Tuck (Ari) all of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Jordan Appollonio and Christal Appollonio of Pickerington, Ohio; (8) great-grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

Gloria's life was a testimony of faith, family, and service. Her legacy of elegance, love, and devotion will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Below is a link to donate in memory of Gloria J. Smith (Jones Tuck Heidelberg.)

https://events.alz.org/s/1892/2345