Gladys Jane Smith

Born on September 29, 1933, at her grandparents' farm in Prescott, Michigan, Gladys (or "Glad" to those who knew and loved her) grew up on the westside of Detroit, the beloved middle child and only daughter of Glenn, a railroad engineer, and Leona Stephens, a teacher. As the sister to two bookend brothers, Gladys was spunky, smart, and fiercely protective—especially of her younger brother, Don (she was the only one allowed to tease him).

Gladys cherished her Detroit upbringing, spending summers at the family farm and forging lifelong friendships along the way. A competitive swimmer and excellent student, she worked at the Vernors soda counter downtown, often recounting tales of her streetcar rides through the city, sometimes long after dark. After graduating from Northwestern High School, she set off for Michigan State University to pursue a degree in education. One fateful night at the Union she was set up on a blind date, but it was his friend, Tom Smith, a tall, charming young man with dimples and a dazzling smile, who caught her eye and captured her heart, and well, the rest is history.

The two married during a snowstorm in Detroit on March 26, 1955, with Gladys wearing a lavender suit chosen to complement Tom’s Air Force blue uniform. After Tom’s military service, the couple settled back in East Lansing, at the Stoddard apartments, where they formed close, lifelong friendships with Morley and Betty Burns, and Jack and Nancy Hanson. The three couples would become the founding members of the “Bridge Group,” which met regularly for decades.

Their first child, Sheri, arrived in 1957, followed by Lauri, Rich, and Nanci. Nearly a decade later, they welcomed their “sweet surprise,” Steve. Alongside their children, the Smith household was always bustling with the addition of beloved pets, especially their cherished cats, who seemed to defy all odds and outlive their nine lives.

The Smith family made their home on Hazelton Street in Redford Township, where Gladys and Tom enjoyed their tight-knit community of neighbors who became extended family. With over 100 kids on the block, the neighborhood was alive with laughter and activity, most notably the epic block parties, where Gladys and Tom would run games, and one year even donned a Batman and Robin costume to take part in one of the famous skits.

As her children grew, Gladys returned to her love of teaching as a regular substitute for South Redford Schools, where she was admired by both students and staff. Gladys was both creative and industrious—she was a skilled knitter, quilter, and seamstress, able to craft anything with the precision of a professional. Her kitchen was filled with cookbooks and cooking magazines, and she was especially known for her shrimp salad and Special K bars, and even learned to decorate cakes like a pro. She took up swimming again after moving to Livonia and spent countless hours in the community center pool staying fit with her friends.

In later years, Gladys and Tom loved traveling, visiting friends across the country from Maryland to Wisconsin to Seattle, and taking trips to Florida. They spent countless weekends at the 4B Ranch, a family tradition that began in their college years and continues today with their children and grandchildren.

Above all, Gladys’ greatest joy was her family. She was incredibly proud of each of her children and grandchildren, and welcomed every in-law into the family with open arms, making them feel like one of her own. Her home was a place of love, laughter, and belonging for all.

A devoted member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Novi, Gladys remained dedicated to her faith, fitness, and friendships. She stayed sharp and active, exercising, reading, and doing crosswords right up until her final days, always maintaining her wit, strength, and sunny nature.

Gladys is deeply missed by her children, Sheri (Roger) VanKampen, Lauri (Ted) Bauman, Richard (Diane) Smith, Nanci (Ron) Amat, and Stephen (Melissa) Smith; her grandchildren, Erin (Justin) Parrish, Alan Bauman, Haley (Michael) Newton, Brandon Amat, Mallory Kuhn, Kelly (Zach Rummery) VanKampen, Brianna (Curt) Hayward, Leo Smith, and Sofia Smith; her great-grandchildren, Kaylin and Abby Newton; her brother, Don Stephens; her nephew, Robert (Eileen) Stephens, and niece, Kathy Kontur. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom, her parents, Glenn and Leona Stephens, and her brother, Arthur (Bob) Stephens.

Gladys will be remembered for her fierce love, her kindness, her strength, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her.

A memorial gathering for Gladys will be held Friday, October 18, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Harry J Will Funeral Homes, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ Presbyterian Church in Novi, MI in Gladys's memory.