Gladys Arnell Reece

It is with much sadness and heartbreak that the family of Gladys Arnell Thomas Reece announce her passing on Monday, October 14, 2024 at the age of 105. Even at her age, her mind and body were very strong until the very end. She was such a gift and an amazing blessing from God. For her to have lived this long gave us extra special time with her.

Gladys was born on December 22, 1918 to the late William Chester Thomas and the late Lula Catherine Thomas. She was a very devoted daughter to them, a special sister to siblings Lib, Pete, Jack and Bill, a loving wife to husband Leroy Reece an amazing mother to daughters Lynda, Kitty and Lee Ann and a special grandmother, great grandmother and great, great grandmother to all of her grandchildren as well as a special friend to all of us.

She was very devoted to family, always loving us unconditionally and even nieces and nephews as her own. Some of our favorite memories are holiday gatherings and all the sweet times gathered around the kitchen table taking the time to catch up with our lives while eating her favorite recipes that she always liked to cook for us. There was always a light on in her kitchen.

Gladys was a devoted Christian, involved in her church, Cramerton Independent Presbyterian Church as much as she could, telling others of her love for Christ and always praying for us all.

Gladys attended Cramerton High School. After high school working in the mills and then attending nursing school. She worked in the office of Dr. Richard Rankin Sr. In Mt. Holly for many years, developing a close relationship with the Rankin family.

Gladys now joins her husband Leroy, daughter Lee Ann, son in law Lin, grandson Lee, her parents and all of her siblings into the glory of God. She will be greatly missed by us all.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Samaritans Purse Hurricane Helene Fund for Western North Carolina at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/disaster/hurricane-helene/?utm_source=Ggl&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=m_YGND-B24V&utm_content=HurricaneHelene&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyL24BhCtARIsALo0fSC45Enr904Oq6dYPBbT3vUtLIiiHiRfZRPVAH9XX-EGS3pbqbctlS8aArjHEALw_wcB