Gloria Elizabeth "Betty, Oma" Smalshaf

Gloria Elizabeth Brown Smalshaf, affectionately known as "Betty" to friends and "Oma" to those who loved her most, entered into eternal rest on October 3, 2025, at the age of 101. Surrounded by her devoted family, she peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born on August 29, 1924, in Notasulga, Alabama, Gloria was the beloved daughter of Inez Elizabeth Beaird Brown and Nelton Dix Brown. She spent her early childhood in the small town of Notasulga, where she enjoyed a close-knit family life. Her father was a barber and her mother a homemaker-roles that helped shape Gloria's appreciation for simplicity, family, and tradition. The family later relocated to Columbus, Georgia, where Gloria attended Jordan High School.

Gloria had an eye for fashion and a flair for beauty. She worked as a buyer for Kirven's Department Store, traveling to New York City and Atlanta to select fine clothing and accessories. Later, she was employed at Gayfers (now Dillard's), where she continued to express her passion for style. Gloria loved fashionable clothes, jewelry, and makeup-always stepping out with grace and polish.

A woman of many talents and interests, Gloria also had a deep love for antiques. Alongside her husband, she ran a cherished antique and thrift store, Honest John's Trading Post. She later volunteered joyfully with her daughter at the Columbus Dream Center and its thrift store, pouring love and energy into helping others.

Her historic home in Columbus was a reflection of her warm heart and creative spirit. Every Christmas, she transformed it into a winter wonderland, drawing friends and family who came just to see the decorations. At Christmas, she also loved going to Callaway Gardens to see Fantasy in Lights with her children. Thanksgiving was another special time when she lovingly prepared her famous southern dishes-deviled eggs, her legendary sweet potato casserole, cornbread dressing, cranberry salad, and congealed salad. No one left her table hungry-or without a smile.

Gloria was a mother and grandmother figure to many, always opening her heart and home to others. She never met a stranger and had a special gift for making people feel truly seen and heard. She didn't seek the spotlight-instead, she shined it on others, always more interested in your story than her own.

She learned to drive in her late 40s and drove with spirit and confidence-her lead foot a source of family stories and laughter. She loved sitting on her front porch, listening to birds, loved flowers (especially spider lilies), and enjoying the beauty of God's creation. She adored spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing cards, building Lincoln Logs, babysitting any time she was asked, and showing up for every school event, church play, or ball game with pride and enthusiasm. She made sure her grandchildren and great-grandchildren attended church and taught them about the love of Jesus.

Gloria loved to sing and dance and especially loved to sing praise and worship music. She sang soprano in the church choir, had a beautiful voice, and could often be found humming a tune or doing a crossword puzzle. Even well into her later years, she continued doing crosswords daily until she no longer could.

She supported local and international missions, always living her faith in quiet, meaningful ways. She was a woman of grace, resilience, generosity, and above all, deep love.

Gloria was predeceased by her loving husband, John Alexander Smalshaf Sr.; her sons Lawrence "Laddy" Fucek and Harry Randolph "Randy" Smalshaf; her grandson Russell "Russ" B. Kinman IV; her parents; her brother Bobby Dixon Brown; her sister Mary N. Brown Brady; and her precious dog Nicky, who was always by her side.

She is survived by her son, John Alexander Smalshaf, Jr. of Panama City Beach, FL; and her daughter, Gloria Elizabeth Smalshaf Kinman (Chris Wilson) of Columbus, GA. She is also survived by her grandson Ryan A. Smalshaf of Panama City Beach, FL; her great-grandson Russell "Russ" B. Kinman V (Karly) of Carrollton, GA; great-granddaughters Colin Elizabeth Kinman and Riley Brooke Kinman of Columbus, GA; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who were like family.

A memorial service celebrating Gloria's remarkable life will be held at 11:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Cox Funeral Home, 240 Walton Street, Hamilton, GA 31811, officiated by Pastor Chris Mitchell and Pastor Tim Harris. The family will receive loved ones following the service.

Flowers may be delivered to the funeral home on Monday, October 27th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choosing.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we rejoice in knowing she is now with her Savior and reunited with so many loved ones. Her legacy of love, faith, laughter, and hospitality lives on in all who were blessed to know her.

"Well done, my good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord." – Matthew 25:23

Georgia Cremation – Columbus is assisting the family with the arrangements.