Gloria Jean Uhls left to be with Jesus peacefully in her sleep early Monday morning, March 23, 2026. A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend, she leaves behind a legacy of service and caring for others, trumped only by her love for Jesus, her love for her children, and her love for sewing.
Born on January 27, 1942, in Plainfield, Indiana, Jeanie — as she preferred to be called — was raised with four brothers, and graduated from Plainfield High School in 1960. She married Donald Dean Uhls in 1962, with whom she had her three children, Robin Lynn, in 1964, Kevin Dean, in 1965, and Paul Donald, in 1969.
Shortly after graduation, she went to work for Indiana Bell, and retired decades later from AT&T in the late 1990’s. But her passion was the sewing machine. She began sewing as a young girl in the 1950’s and grew to be a master seamstress. She owned The Sewing Shoppe in Mooresville, Indiana, during the late 1970’s and continued to sew professionally for the rest of her life. There literally wasn’t anything she could not create, alter, hem, or fix, still charging 1970 prices for her services even into 2026. She simply loved to sew, still doing so even weeks before her passing, and there was no one better.
Also a talented artist, she applied that talent mostly to a robust cake decorating career as well. Becoming well known throughout central Indiana for some of the tastiest cakes around, she decorated literally hundreds of cakes, from the grandest wedding cakes with fountains and tiers, to the simplest birthday sheet cakes. Over the years, there were countless weddings where she would create and altar all the dresses in a bridal party, as well as provide the cake for the reception. Her talent was beyond measure.
While sewing was her passion and cake decorating a profitable hobby, the pride and joy in her life were her three children, her seven grand children, and her 12 great-grandchildren. And while she spent her whole life caring for others, nothing gave her more joy than her kids and grandkids. There wasn’t anything she would not do for them, and would deny herself any pleasure or item to make sure they had what they needed or wanted. Simply, she lived for them.
She spent her life caring for and giving to others, both within the family, and without. While a faithful giver to her churches, countless stories have emerged over the years of her generosity to others, much of which was done in secret, never seeking any notoriety. She would openly admit to the help she’d received throughout her lifetime during tough times, and felt strongly she should show the same generosity anytime the opportunity arose. She had a God-given gift of service to others.
Known simply as “Grandma Jean” to almost everyone, she spent the last 10 years of her life living peacefully in Bluffton, South Carolina, but always missed her hometown of Mooresville, Indiana, and the family and friends who remained there. A devoted Christian and lover of Jesus, she was a member of both Mt. Gilead Church in Mooresville, where she attended regularly for decades while living in Indiana, and Compassion Christian Church in Bluffton, where she also attended regularly until she could no longer leave home as easily. She then watched services online from both churches every Sunday morning.
Preceded in death by her father and mother, John and Dorothy Brinker, as well as her brothers, Don, Terry, and Danny, and three husbands, Donald Uhls, Roy Archer, and Chester Uhls, she is survived by her brother Mike Brinker; her three children and their spouses, Robin & Don Perkinson, Kevin & Suzi Uhls, and Paul & Ginger Uhls; her grandchildren, Heather Uhls, Dylan & Amber Uhls, Taylor & Tristan Becker, Cory & Amanda Uhls, Lynnsey Uhls, Cody Uhls, and Brooke & Cody Bruner, as well as all her great grandchildren.
She will be laid to rest in Maple Hill Cemetery in Plainfield. A memorial service will be held on April 7, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m., at Mt. Gilead Church, 6019 East State Road 144, Mooresville. Jeff Faull will officiate. In lieu of flowers, we are asking that contributions be made to her Go Fund Me fundraiser at https://gofund.me/bd83cebb1. Donations can also be made on her behalf to Mt. Gilead Church in Mooresville, IN or Compassion Christian Church in Blufton, SC.
Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
So sorry for your loss I knew Jeanie for many years along with her son Paul She was a very sweet and kind lady and for all the things she did what a beautiful job I know she will be missed Sending Prayers and hugs to the family God Bless you all
