Gladys H. Best

After living a full life Gladys Bell Hayes Best suffered a massive stroke on September 1, 2015. Family gathered in her hospital room on Friday to celebrate her 91st birthday. She passed away on September 8, 2015, in Carrollton, TX, with her daughters holding her in their arms. She was born on September 4, 1924, in Frost, TX to Horace and Dessie Bell Hayes. The family moved to Corsicana, TX where Gladys grew up. She was married to Melvin Leroy Best for 69 wonderful years. Gladys never let Melvin forget that she picked him. Melvin’s primary pilot training took place at the air field in Corsicana. Gladys refused to date “men in uniform.” When the Corsicana matrons insisted she choose from a list of cadets which one she would have as a dance partner for a Cadet Dance, she chose the one from Texas who must be the best because his name was BEST. It was a partnership that never failed. They had twin daughters, Carol Hillman and Judy Zurlis. She is preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; her parents, Horace and Dessie Hayes; 3 sisters, Geraldine Johnston, Mary Greentree, and Maurine Hoskins. Two sisters, Dortha Bergey and Martha Chilbert and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous friends will also miss her bubbly laugh and sincere personality. Gladys was a leader, a teacher, but most of all, a friend.

While Melvin was flying B-25 “Strafers” in the South Pacific, Gladys and her sister moved to Fort Worth to do their part in supporting the war effort. She worked at Convair, an American aircraft manufacturing company that played a huge role in bringing women into the work force. When the war ended Gladys and Melvin moved to Lubbock, TX where they lived until 1989.

Gladys was known as Melvin’s wife, the mother of the twins, and Roy Furr’s secretary but to her 4 grandchildren and their spouses, Crae and Judy Hillman, Scott and Amy Zurlis, Steven and Cari Zurlis, and Ryan and Anne Hillman Thomas and her 9 great-grandchildren, Rebecca and Hannah Hillman, Jake and Jessi Zurlis, Hunter and Hailey Zurlis, and Pierce, Henry, and Benjamin Thomas, she was “B”. They were members of Southcrest Baptist Church where she praised God by singing in the choir.

Retirement found them living in Tool, TX on Cedar Creek Lake where Gladys found the opportunity to serve her Lord Jesus Christ. As active members of Cedar Creek Lake United Methodist Church, Gladys served on the building committee and held various offices in her United Methodist Women organization. Her lifelong love of reading prepared her to serve as Program Resource Secretary and on the Nominating Committee for both the District Conference and the Regional Conference of UMW. She penned many skits and gave book reviews for UMW meetings. She was an active member of the Cedar Creek Lake Women’s Club. Flowers always brightened her day. Gladys loved to plan and execute big parties. Dinner for 300, not a problem! Playing card and board games with friends was a frequent activity for Gladys and Melvin. In 2008 they moved to the North Dallas area and were members of Christ Church Plano/Anglican.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17 from 6-8 PM at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 8011 Frankford Rd, Dallas, TX 75252 (Southeast corner of Coit, Frankford & George Bush Turnpike). The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, Sept. 18 at 10 AM at the Ted Dickey West Funeral Home. The celebration of her life will continue with humorous stories, sharing of warm remembrances, and toasts to a life well lived. Gladys had two requests: Wear bright colored clothes and have a balloon release. The Internment will be at 1:00 PM at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. The Melvin L. Best Family Memorial Scholarship has been established at Texas Tech University. Gifts may be sent to Texas Tech University, c/o Alicia Knight, PO Box 41081, Lubbock, TX 79409 or at www.give2tech.com