Gloria Chambliss Winters

Gloria Jean Winters, 83, of Macon, Georgia, passed away on August 11, 2026. A celebration of life will be held at Thomaston Road Church of Christ on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with Allan Hornbuckle officiating. Visitation will follow the service.

Gloria Jean was born on October 29, 1942, in Macon, Georgia, to Charles Henry Chambliss and Jacqueline Marie (Momand) Chambliss. She graduated from Miller High School and went on to earn an Associate's Degree in Business. She began her career at Pitney Bowes Company before working for many years at Jones, Cork & Miller and at James Bates.

While in high school, Gloria Jean met the love of her life, Gates, and the two began dating shortly after graduation. Their marriage of 53 years was a testament to the devotion they shared, and her love for him remained at the heart of everything she did.

Gloria Jean was a woman of strong Christian faith, and it showed in how she lived her life and how she loved others. She led with a life of service. She volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, the food pantry, the Backpack Ministry, as the beloved "Ice Cream Lady" at her grandchildren's school, and in countless other ways, both seen and unseen. She had many interests, but she was perhaps best known for her cooking, especially the many cakes she baked and shared with others. If you knew Gloria Jean, you had a friend for life and more than likely received a card from her in your mailbox.

She was also an avid sports lover, some would say a sports fanatic. She faithfully followed the Atlanta Braves and University of Georgia football, but her favorite sport was always whatever her grandkids were playing. She cheered from the stands for them and for anyone else who needed a Nana.

Gloria Jean is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Brent Lanford of Macon, and their sons, Nicholas and Carter Lanford; her son, Gates W. Winters III of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and her son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Lisa Winters of Macon, and their children, Sara Elizabeth and William Winters. She is also survived by her nieces, Carey Wimberly and her husband, Charles, of Macon, and Kelly Chambliss of Macon; her nephew, Aaron Wimberly, and his daughter, Olivia; and many other cherished family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gates, and her brother and sister-in-law, Charlie and Iris Ann Chambliss.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s on Cherry Street, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 765 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201 has charge of the arrangements.