She was a lifetime member of Enon United Methodist Church, a choir member for 80 years, and a member of The United Methodist Women. She was also the custodian of the church for 50 years. Gladys loved music whether it was singing, or playing the piano or any string instrument. She founded the Studley Seniors Group in 1997. She was a school bus driver for Hanover County and then a mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office where she retired. She was also a caregiver to many family members and friends over the years.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Ernest Carter Stanley; her son, Bruce Carter Stanley; great-grandchildren, Colton and Caroline Wood; her parents, Jesse and Cora Atkinson; brothers Walter and Wade Atkinson; and a sister, Allene A. Kirby.
She leaves behind her daughters, Marilyn Gooch (Ronnie), and Phyllis Morris (Pete); daughter-in-law, Debbie Stanley. She dearly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Angie Atkinson (Tommy) and their children Tommy Jr. and Taylor, Rondal Gooch, Jason Stanley (Megan) and their children, Jayne Carter and Alice, Cameron Wood (Suzanne) and their child, Carter, Michael Stanley (Faith) and their child, Jacob, Jennifer Carignan (Jeremy) and their children, Brooklyn and Joseph, Laurie Latham (Michael) and their children, Tyler and Ashley, as well as Daniel Stanley (Kate).
The family would like to thank Gladys' caregivers, Joyce Banks and Michelle Rankin for their love and support.
Visitation will be held Tuesday from 2 pm to 4 pm and from 6 pm to 8 pm at Woody Funeral Home, Atlee Chapel, 9271 Shady Grove Rd, Mechanicsville, Va. 23116. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 2 pm at Enon United Methodist Church with interment to follow at Signal Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be sent to Enon United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 68, Studley, VA 23162.