Gloria Jean Driver, 80, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2024 at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo.  She was born April 25, 1944 to Ellis E. Newton and Hazel Elliott Newton in Morven, GA. She graduated from Pavo High School in Pavo, GA. She was baptized at an early age at her hometown community church in Georgia. As an adult attended Brewer Baptist Church until her health failed but loved watching Joyce Myers on TV.  She worked as a supervisor in the sewing department at Lane Furniture for 20 years. She supported  St. Jude, Shriners, and sewed clothes for kids overseas through a national charity. She was a master seamstress and loved sewing clothes, quilts, home decor for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed playing games, putting puzzles together, carpentry, flipping houses, cooking, gardening, and was an avid animal lover.
She is survived by three daughters, Sheila Hester Brown (Billy) of Tupelo, Teresa Ann Welch (Steve) of Shannon, and Michelle Lynn Curtis (Troy) of Pontotoc; one son, Tony Hester of Tupelo; one brother, Earl Newton of Jacksonville, FL; nine grandchildren, Meghan Brown Russell (Zach), Neely Elizabeth Brown, Cody Franks (Aleigha), Courtney England (Brandon), Corey Franks (Breanna), Ashley Chaney (Colby), Brittany Brown, Lindsey Davis (Lamar), and Josh Curtis (Bailey); and 22 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Elaine Perry, and two brothers, Steve Newton and Ike Newton.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.  Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Sanctuary Hospice House 5159 West Main St. Tupelo, MS 38801 or Lee County Humane Society 2795 Cliff Gookin Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38801

Donations

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Sanctuary Hospice House 5159 West Main St. Tupelo, MS 38801 or Lee County Humane Society 2795 Cliff Gookin Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38801