Born Gladys Rose Dix on December 11, 1933, in Cooper County, Missouri, to Tandy Newton Dix and Mamie K. Tucker Dix. She was one of eight children and was educated in Saline County schools, graduating from Marshall High School in 1951. Gladys attended the Kansas City Art Institute which led to her getting a job working as an artist at Hallmark Cards, by whom she was employed for many years. She later worked as a bookkeeper for Floral Hills Funeral Home until her retirement in 1978.
Gladys was preceded in death by her daughter Kay Saghir (Jim); husband, James C. Smith, and stepson Tom Smith (Valerie). Survived by four children: Regina Ma (Steve), Wray Joiner (Judy), Lisa Kohl, Gwen McGuire (Ed) and two stepchildren: Tim Smith (Edwina) and Gail Carpenter. Gladys is survived by one sister, Lorene Moore, now the last survivor of the eight Dix children. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Floral Hills Funeral Home (7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Mo 64133).
A funeral service will follow Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Floral Hills Funeral Home (7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Mo 64133). A graveside service will occur Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens (7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Mo 64133). We will conclude with a reception Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Floral Hills Funeral Home (7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Mo 64133).
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Gladys’ favorite charity: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
