Gloria Jean was born on October, 26, 1955 in Brunswick Georgia from the union of the late Annie Maude Small Sauls and late Abraham Ingram.

At a young age, she relocated to Albany, Georgia to live with her late grandmother, Pearl Barrett Small. She attended Coachman Park Elementary School and Monroe High School where she was active in the chorus and marching band. Upon graduation, she studied administrative studies at Albany State College. While Gloria was very social and active, she was also a strong woman of faith thanks to early exposure of church and daily scripture readings from her grandmother. As a young woman, she gave her life to Christ and subsequently joined Cray Chapel CME Church where she sang in the choir faithfully for many years.

Professionally, she worked as a secretary for many years at her late brother-in law's company, Laster Sewing Machine Service. Eventually, she advanced her career by accepting an administrative position at Albany State College in the early 90s. She worked in the Master of Public Administration program for nearly fifteen years before transferring to the Student Health Services division for a few years. She was an excellent administrative assistant who loved her work, faculty and staff, but most importantly, the students.

Gloria had a bright smile, larger than life personality, and big heart. She loved her family and friends very deeply. On March 6, 2022, she transitioned peacefully in her sleep. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Annie Small Laster, brother Willie C. Small, and niece, Nicole Arcady. She is survived by her two children Rodney Montrell (Nadia) Sauls, Sr. and Dr. Rhonda Franklin; and her six grandchildren, Tierra Sauls, Rodney Montrell Sauls, Jr., Trinity Sauls, Sanaa Sauls, Dania Mapp, and DaNetia Mapp.