Gladys Earlene Garland

Gladys Earlene Garland, lovingly known as “Earlene” and affectionately called “Meme” by her grandchildren, passed away peacefully at home in Dallas, Texas, on October 5, 2025, at the age of 99.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Mack Garland; her parents, Earl and Gladys Judd; her son, Ronald Garland; and her sisters, Wanda Hawkins and Betty McQuary.

Earlene is survived by her children, Brenda Kay Garland Kelly and husband, Pat; Thomas Earl Garland and wife, Kathy; and Larry Garland and Debbie Bishop. Her grandchildren, Patrick Kelly, John Kelly, Brandon Kelly, Jennifer Whitaker, Tom F. Garland, Stephanie Molina, and Veronica Gillet, along with her thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, will carry forward her legacy of strength, humor, and love.

Born in Lubbock, Texas, to Earl and Gladys Bell Judd, Earlene grew up surrounded by family and friends who encouraged her love of learning and independence. She graduated from Lubbock High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Nutrition from Texas Tech University in 1950.

Earlene began her career as a dietitian at Wichita Falls General Hospital, where she worked for two years before serving as head dietitian at Wichita Falls State Hospital for eleven years. Her dedication to health and nutrition inspired her next venture: launching her own consulting business, which provided nutritional guidance to nursing homes across Texas. Her entrepreneurial drive later led her to purchase and operate two Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream stores, where her favorite flavor was Jamoca Almond Fudge, and she always let her grandchildren pick whatever flavor they wanted.

She was known for her adventurous spirit and love of travel. Earlene and her husband, Tom, explored the world together. Tom would often say, “Pack your bags, Mama. We’re going to Egypt,” and off they would go—turning each journey into another shared adventure. True to that spirit, she always kept a bag packed and ready to go, eager for whatever destination awaited. Earlene also earned her private pilot’s license in the early 1960s, simply because she wanted to experience the joy of flying.

Earlene approached life with energy, curiosity, and a touch of competitive flair. The grandkids fondly remember her as a fierce competitor at any card game they played, and she even taught them to roller skate and jump on the trampoline. Always eager to learn, she kept up with the latest research in health and nutrition, living out her belief in caring for mind, body, and spirit.

A woman of quiet faith and devotion, Earlene’s life reflected compassion, resilience, and gratitude. She was faithful to her church and deeply cherished her friendships and community connections.

Earlene will be remembered for her strength, focus, and deep dedication to her family.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 12, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Grove Hill Funeral Home, 3920 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75228.

A Memorial Service will take place on Monday, October 13, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception and fellowship at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be held on Thursday, October 16, at 3:00 p.m. at City of Lubbock Cemetery, Lubbock, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Earlene, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite charity in her name.