Angelia Marie Gilley

Angelia Marie Gilley was born on January 10, 1960, in Bradenton, Florida, to Gloria Patricia Gilley and the late Willie James White. Angelia’s Christian journey began at an early age at Rogers Memorial United Methodist Church, now known as Rogers Community United Methodist Church. She remained a faithful and devoted member throughout her life, serving in various capacities within the church until her passing. On February 12, 2026, Angelia departed this earthly life and received her heavenly reward.
 
Angelia attended the public schools of Manatee County and graduated from Bayshore High School in the class of 1977. Following high school, she attended Manatee Community College (now the State College of Florida) and later enrolled at Bethune-Cookman College’s satellite campus in Bradenton, Florida. Determined to complete her
education, she carpooled on weekends to the main campus of Bethune-Cookman College (now Bethune-Cookman University) in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Social Studies Education and History on April 27, 1992, while working part-time. Angelia later enrolled at Nova Southeastern University and earned her Master of Science degree on June 30, 1997, while working full-time demonstrating her unwavering dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.
 
Angelia began her career as an educator in Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Florida. She later moved back home to Bradenton and was hired by the Manatee County School District in 1991 as a social studies teacher at the former Bradenton Middle School. Angelia along with her Bradenton Middle School co-workers moved to the newly constructed Louise R. Johnson Middle School in 1994. She later obtained employment at Bayshore High
School. Angelia was very busy during her tenure at Bayshore High School. Her first position there was teaching U.S. Government and Economics. She also held the position as Graduation Coach and of AVID Coordinator, where she coordinated the Senior Awards Night Banquet, Annual AVID College Tours across the country, fundraisers for AVID, the AVID Summer Bridge Program and the AVID Summer Institute for teachers. She led the AVID national demonstration school accreditation for Bayshore High School. 
 
Angelia was able to successfully send approximately 30 students through resources to HBCU Institutions where they successfully graduated with a Bachelor Degree. Due to illness, Angelia retired from Bayshore High School in 2025 with the position of Graduation Coach.
 
Angelia was a dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for thirty years. She held several positions in the Bradenton Alumnae Chapter including Chapter President. She also held the position of President of the Manasota National Pan-Hellenic Council. She coordinated and assisted with the Manasota National Pan-Hellenic Council sponsoring students in grades 9 through 12 college tour each year to at least two HBCU institutions until
hours before her transition to be with the Lord.
 
Angelia lived a full and passionate life, always devoted to her family, her church, her sorority, and her many friends. Those who knew her understood how deeply she valued education. She was constantly offering guidance and support to the children in her family, her friends’ children and grandchildren, and anyone who sought her assistance. She was especially dedicated to organizing family gatherings and ensuring that family members were informed of upcoming special events, always encouraging support and celebration of the young members of the Wright family.
 
Angelia is survived by her caring, concerned mother Gloria Gilley-Gavin; her maternal siblings, Michelle R. Gilley, Eddie T. Mitchell, Terry L. Mitchell and Tiffany Y. Gilley; Paternal siblings, Gwendolyn Evans (Carlton), Reginald R. White (Kim), LaShonta M. Dawson (Kenneth) and Everette J. White; She also leaves behind a dedicated aunt, Deborah G. Lee, Special Niece, Reva C. Gilley, Godmother (Ma), Lynette Edwards, Goddaughter, Caasi A. Paramore, Godbrother, Omar Edwards, (LaDina), Godsister, Krystal Houston, and a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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