Gladys Lucille Lloyd

Gladys Lucille Roberts Lloyd, 91, proud citizen of China Grove, passed away at Carillon Assisted Living of Salisbury on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. Mrs. Lloyd was famous for speaking her mind and proudly proclaimed to "tell it like it is." This philosophy covered all topics, including politics (which she loved), religion (which she depended on), and her standards for doing things, (which could include an opinion about your personal appearance). Those who loved Gladys appreciated her candor and honesty.

Gladys was born on February 28, 1925 to Susan Hauss Roberts and William M. Roberts, the last of her parents' three children. She graduated from China Grove High School in 1941 and faithfully attended reunions as long as her health allowed. Her classmates were some of her oldest and most cherished friends.

After graduation, Gladys worked for DC Linn and later for Cannon Mills as a payroll clerk. While at Cannon, she met her future husband, Robert Lloyd, and they married on April 11, 1970, when she was forty five years old. Bob was a salesman, golfer and jokester--he never met a stranger he could not tease. They were perfect contrasts and enjoyed a happy marriage until his death in 1994.

During her life she was active in civic life and always prided herself in knowing the news of the town, even when she was a resident of Carillon Assisted Living. She was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in China Grove for over 70 years and considered her fellow church members her family. Her opinions about the town earned her a place on the China Grove Planning Board where she served for many years. She was also an active member of the Eureka 277 Order of the Eastern Star.

In a newspaper story about her service on the China Grove Planning Board in 1980, she was quoted as saying: "I believe that everyone that cares about the community should get involved with the local government." These words exemplified her attitude toward public service.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Alliene Roberts Wilson, and her brother, Forrest A. Roberts. She is survived by her niece, Susan Wilson Drumheller, of Lynchburg, Virginia, and the "Lloyd sisters:" Eunice Holt, Renee Simmons and Carole Brooke, three of her helpers whose friendship was strengthened by their love and devotion to Gladys. Gladys would also pay great tribute to her helpers at Carillon Assisted Living, whose care enabled her to keep her feistiness, even in her last illness.

Her funeral will be held at First United Methodist Church, China Grove,on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation in the church parlor will precede the worship service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park immediately after the service. Memorial donations are welcome to be sent to First United Methodist Church, 110 West Church Street, China Grove, North Carolina 28023.