Gladys Frances Stillwell

Gladys Frances Stillwell was born on June 2, 1924 to the late Odell and Cleveland Mayberry in Lewisburg, Tennessee. The Lord blessed her with a long and fruitful life of 98 years. She was the youngest of six daughters. She was preceded in death by her five older sisters, Willie B. Fisher, Katie Lee Mayberry, Della M. Ewing, Christine Phillips, and Elizabeth Sowell.

Gladys was united in holy matrimony to the late Robert J. Stillwell Sr., in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Their union was blessed with three wonderful children, Edith, Robert Jr., and Larry Stillwell.

Gladys was baptized at an early age. She was a member of the Ramsey Street Church of Christ for many years. Several members of her Ramsey Street Family continued to reach out to her in Atlanta. They sent birthday cards, and tapes of the sermons.

Gladys departed this life on May 10, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia where she had relocated after she became unable to live alone. She was admitted to a nursing facility in Atlanta, where she easily adapted to her new home. She was mentally cognitive and participated in many of the activities the facility offered. She was a member of the “Red Hat Ladies Club”. They met once a month, and presented ideas to the staff on ways they could improve conditions for the residents. She also attended movies, gospel meetings, and bingo games. She was always concerned about her appearance and had frequent appointments to get her hair and nails done.

In 2013, the activities director at the nursing home urged Gladys to participate in the Ms. Georgia nursing home pageant. She was reluctant, but after lots of persuading from her daughter and the director, she accepted the challenge. She was crowned winner of facility and went on to compete on the state level this included meeting Miss Georgia, and overnight stay at a luxurious resort in the Atlanta area.

Gladys had a very nurturing spirit and acquired several play daughters and sons. Her most important role in life was that of mother, her children and grandchildren affectionately called her mother dear.

Gladys leaves to cherish her memories one daughter, Edith Jones (Maurice), Atlanta, GA.; one son Larry (Mattie) Stillwell, Lewisburg, TN., one son preceded in death Robert J. Stillwell Jr.; devoted grandson, Jeffery D. Bunch of Atlanta, Georgia, 2 granddaughters, Frances and Katie Stillwell, 2 grandsons, Larry Stillwell and Darnell Doctor, all of San Diego, CA., a host of other relatives and friends.