Gladys Evelyn Smith was born on October 28, 1945, in Caroline County, Virginia and left this life on earth to be with the Lord on August 26, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband, Edgar Lewis Smith, her parents Joseph Harding Wilson and Betty Mae Buckner Wilson, her sisters Julia Etta Walden and Delores Wilson, and her brothers Floyd Wilson and James Wilson.

During Gladys' childhood, she attended schools in the Caroline County School system. Upon graduating from Union High School, she worked several jobs including being a server at the A&P diner and housekeeper at Mary Washington Hospital. Following the death of her husband, she was determined to make sure her daughters had a good life, so she set forth to further her education and pursue her dreams. She graduated from nursing school in 1974 and upon completion worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Mary Washington Hospital for 17 years. She then worked as a private duty nurse before retiring in 2010.

Gladys loved the Lord and at an early age she joined and was baptized at the Third Mount Zion Baptist Church in Woodford, Virginia. She was a faithful member, singing in the Women's Choir and then later with the Anointed Voices under the direction of Walter Baker who she called "Jack Rabbit." She was also the president of the youth ushers for several years and a member of the senior usher ministry until her health began to fail. Gladys loved celebrating Usher's Day, as she loved to march for the Lord and to add her own original steps and moves. Her other favorite Sundays were Homecoming Sunday and the Sunday when the Men's Choir sang, because she absolutely loved to hear her brother, James Wilson, sing. On many occasions she was also the Mistress of Ceremony (MC) for different church programs. The congregation would say she was "something else" and loved when she was the MC.

Gladys had a strong love and commitment for family. As a single mother, she sacrificed so much for her daughters and worked hard to provide for them. She was a devoted mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. All who knew her would agree that she did not hold her tongue, but she passionately loved her family and friends and made a lasting impression on anyone who crossed her path. To know her, you had no choice but to love her. She loved to sing, especially gospel music. Her favorite song was "Never Would Have Made It." Gladys loved spending time with her daughters, dancing on somebody's dance floor, visiting with family in New York and Delaware, and hanging out with friends and her adopted daughters Tammy Hamn, Lisa Waller, Courtney (Bubbles) Lambert, and Debra Ahmed.

Gladys is survived by her daughters, Bettie Victoria (Vicky) Smith and Valerie Ann Smith both of Fredericksburg, Virginia; four sisters, Josephine Williams of Roosevelt, New York; Virginia Jones of Freeport, New York; Vivian Latney of Ruther Glen, Virginia; and Lisa Latney of Richmond, Virginia; four sisters-in-law, Gloria Wilson of Fredericksburg, Virginia; Dorothy Davidson of Fredericksburg, Virginia; Calvene Williams of South Hill, Virginia; Cheryl Williams of Woodbridge, Virginia; one brother-in-law, Calvin Williams of Carmel Church, Virginia, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends

A viewing will be held at Third Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 9132 Fredericksburg Turnpike, Woodford, VA 22580, on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. The interment will follow at Third Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.