Gloria Maxine Kessler-Smith_Genest, 88. died Oct. 10, 2022. She was born in St.Petersburg,
Fl, at Mound Park Hospital, today known as Bayfront Medical Center. Before retirement,
Gloria was a U.S. Postal worker, A Born-Again Christian, and a founding member of Grace
Community Church. She was loved by her family and friends. She loved traveling and dining
out. Gloria was a life long resident of the St.Petersburg area and graduated from
St.Petersburg High School, Class of 1951.
Gloria was preceded in death by her First Husband, Van Martin Smith, Parents, Emil Edward
Kessler; Violet Okerstrom Kessler, and Brothers, Emil Edward Kessler; Paul Kessler
She is survived by:
Husband, Louis Henry Genest; Brother, Weyman Todd Kessler wife-Lee
Children, Sherry Smith-Wilt, husband - Dave, Laurie Ann Smith-Downs, husband -Dave, Van
Martin (Marty) Smith, Jr., wife -Kim.
Grandchildren, David Lee Wilt, Jr., Jonathan Daniel Wilt, Stephen Andrew Wilt, Timothy Paul
Wilt, David Rutherford Downs II, Purity Adonay Downs, Carissa Kiriay Downs-Luna, Promise
Cristay Downs-Davis, Jehu Roy Downs, Nicholas Cooper Smith and their respective spouses;
Great-grandchildren Nolan Daniel Wilt, Davin Roy Downs, Alexander Luna, Ryan David Wilt,
Dawson Turner Downs, Ava Mae Wilt, Kiriay Florrisa Luna, Daisy Ann Downs, Elyana Gloria
Luna.
And many nieces and nephews.
There will be a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 PM, Oct. 23 at the First Baptist Indian
Rocks Chapel.
Graveside service at Serenity Garden Cemetery, Oct 24, at 11:00 AM.