Loretha Gilley-Washington

Deaconess Loretha Long Gilley Washington of Homosassa, FL passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2020.  Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 29, at 11a.m. at New Hope M. B. Church, 3005 E. Ellicott St., Tampa, with Minister Bruce Bryant, Lead Minister; Reverend Ernest Ross, Officiating, Pastor of First Baptist Church at Shady Rest, Brooksville, FL; Reverend Dr. John L. Giles, Eulogist.  Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Loretha was a native of Marianna, FL and a graduate of Union Grove High School in 1963, attended Jackson County Junior College and graduated from Florida A&M University. Her Christian journey began at New Hope M. B. Church, Two Egg, FL and while in Tampa, she was a member of the New Hope M. B. Church and True Faith Inspirational Baptist Church.

After relocating to Homosassa Springs, she joined First Baptist Church at Shady Rest.  She retired from the City of Tampa in Community Relations and her passion to serve the community led her to become the Co-Owner and Operator of Gilley's Adult Care Center and later Precious Bundles Day Care Centers until she retired.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett, Sr. and Henrietta Williams Long; granddaughter, Desirae Shanae Gilley; and niece, Kimberly Coley. 

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: a devoted, caring, and loving husband, George Washington; 2 children, Duane Scott Gilley (Nicole) and Donald Stuart Gilley; 2 stepchildren, Faith (Stephan) and Christopher; 2 grandchildren, Lauren (Malik) and Jordon; step grandson, Stephin; 2 sisters, Lucy Coley (Moses) and Cydell McGhie (Aaron); 2 brothers, Emmett Long Jr. (Ann) and A. Kenneth Long, Sr.; 3 sisters-in-law, Paulette, Naomi, and Julie; 4 brothers-in-law, David, Jeffery, Michael, and Billy; special niece, Tiffany; 7 nieces and nephews, Michael, Thomas (Melissa), Dr. Matrecia (Demea), Dr. Deirdre (Rashad), Shonta (William), Stephanie and Kenneth, Jr. (Melissa); Goddaughter, Nicole Campbell (Randal); aunts, Earnestine Bowers, Theola Williams, and Florida McCoy; uncles, Bryant Williams and Rev. Lucious Williams; and she also leaves a host of cousins, other loving relatives and friends. 

The remains will repose and the family will receive friends on Friday, February 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at New Hope M. B. Church, 3005 E. Ellicott Street. 

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