Gloria F. Brooks, nee Grace, of Oak Park, age 84. Beloved wife of the late Samuel D.; loving mother of Samuel (Jean) Brooks, Christopher Brooks, Mary (Donald) Williams and the late Gloria Swindell; proud grandmother of Anthony, Katie, Samantha (Melinda) Patrick, Suzanne (Kenny), Kevin Nolan and Reagan; Nola and Samuel; James and John; and great-grandmother of Wesley, Avery and Amaya; preceded in death by her siblings, Elliott and Mary Frances Grace; fond aunt of Beth Grace and many Brooks family nieces and nephews.

In the early morning hours of October 23rd, 2025, Gloria F. Brooks peacefully passed into the presence of her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.

Born in Oak Park, Illinois, she met Samuel Brooks at Emmaus Bible College and they soon married on June 17, 1960. Sam and Gloria started their family in 1965 while Sam was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. They later enjoyed living in Maywood, IL; Oak Park, IL, and Greensboro, NC, before settling into their dream home back in Oak Park, where they created many wonderful memories during most of their child-rearing years. During this time, they also enjoyed wonderful fellowship at River Forest Bible Chapel and owning/operating Hall & Son Printing Company, where Gloria worked as Sam's secretary until his untimely death in 1985. Gloria courageously carried on as a single mother, eventually moving to her home in Berwyn, IL, and reluctantly retiring at age 76 from Midwest Heart Specialists Elmhurst.

In addition to precious years with Sam Sr. and raising her children, Gloria's great passion was investing into the lives of others with unselfish service, delicious meals, and wise counsel for anyone with any type of need. From hosting Friday Night High School youth groups to Thanksgiving feasts for dozens, one of Gloria's marvelous gifts was hospitality, and she lavished it on countless others.

More privately, Gloria diligently spent time with her Lord in personal devotions and prayer for family, friends & acquaintances along life's way. Gloria's trust in God's goodness and provision never wavered, even after many losses, including the untimely deaths of her beloved husband and youngest daughter. To the very end, Gloria proclaimed with joy from first-hand experience that God was her faithful provider, sustainer, and redeemer.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation via check to The Salvation Army, St. Charles County Gifts Processing Center, P.O. Box 5193, Boone, IA 50950-0193 with a notation on the check For: Gloria's Closet.  Gloria's Closet was started to honor the late Gloria Jr. and is briefly described as follows: "For 44 years, 'little Gloria' brightened this world & made it a better place. How? By giving each person she met, particularly struggling women, her completely focused attention. No looking away from your eyes to a watch or cellphone – no body language to hurry the conversation along – just a laid-back, lingering moment relishing you as the center of her universe . . . as if you were a masterpiece worthy of her intense appreciation.  While 'Little Gloria' is gone, Gloria's Closet beautifully honors her life by providing that same type of focused attention to every woman who walks through the doors.  'Gloria's Closet' is well-named: A place where each woman can linger in a moment in which she is cherished, reminded of her immense value, and treated with the dignity she has as a masterpiece of her Creator."

Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester on Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Chapel Service 12:00 noon. Interment Forest Home Cemetery. For funeral info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.