Gladys McSwain Willis

Mrs. Gladys McSwain Willis, 88, of Clemmons, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025 at the Hospice Home in High Point after a period of declining health. She was born on October 14, 1936 in Sharon, South Carolina to Royster and Blanche McSwain. She met the love of her life in Charleston, SC shortly after graduating from nursing school. She and Harold (Hal) Willis were married for 51 years until his death in 2009.

Gladys started her career as a labor and delivery nurse, then psychiatric nursing, and ended her career at the health center at Bermuda Village. She was a very active member of Clemmons United Methodist Church prior to her illness and cherished her friends in the Crusaders Sunday school class. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and loved to garden and cook. She made the best potato salad and deviled eggs and they were always a common request when she brought a dish to share. She made birthdays and holidays very special and there were always many gifts selected with each person in mind and wrapped with love. She enjoyed traveling, taking trips to Europe and Alaska, but her favorite travel destination was Hawaii.

She is survived by her four children Margie Davis (Jim) of Clemmons, Tracie Wilson (Keith) of Winston-Salem, Julie Elliott (Scott) of Clemmons, and Jimmy Willis (Brier) of Clemmons; Eight grandchildren Elizabeth Davis Puckett, Michael Davis (Rebecca), Allison Wilson (Chris), Cody Wilson (Hannah), Jack Elliott, Alexandra Elliott, Anna Claire Willis, and Charlotte Willis; and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Rae Lewis, Frances Sanders, and Mary Campbell, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers R.Y. McSwain, Jr., Donald McSwain, sisters Ethel Mae Smith and Nora Parks.

A celebration of Gladys’ life will be conducted at Vogler & Sons Funeral Home Clemmons on Monday June 16 with visitation at 10 a.m. and service to follow at 11a.m. A private graveside service for immediate family will follow the service.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love and generosity will live on in the hearts of those she touched. The Willis family wishes to thank the staff of Hospice of the Piedmont in High Point and the Hospice Home at High Point, and two very special caregivers Tammy and Kristi.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, Clemmons Food Pantry, or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Vogler & Sons Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, 2849 Middlebrook Drive, Clemmons, NC (336-766-4714).