Gladys Marie Bays

Gladys is predeceased by her husband, Herman Bays, her parents Victor Crider and Dora Lee (Trent) Crider, and her siblings Buford Crider, James Crider, Lucille Walden, Don Crider, Dave Crider, Elmer Crider, and Jerry Crider.

Gladys is survived by her children, Kimberly (John) Baker, Karen (Dean) Dampier, Karmela (Chad) Rotter, her grandchildren, Ashley Donahoo, Brittnie Coy, Brandon Baker, Gabby Rotter, Grayson Rotter and Addison Rotter, her great grandchildren, Zachary and Connor Donahoo, Sterling and Aubriella Coy, her brother Victor (Delta) Crider, Jr., and many precious nieces and nephews.

Gladys was a Christian warrior with many talents including singing in choirs, groups, trios, duets and solos. She excelled in teaching Sunday school and Acteens, Womens' Ministry and Awanas. She enjoyed coordinating the yearly Vacation Bible School and also Sunday school classes and curriculum. Gladys was a confidante and prayer warrior who seemed to have a special hotline to God. With a servant's heart, Gladys could be found assisting with whatever needed to be done in the church and mission field. She wrote down her memoir called "Working in God's Army" and said she probably forgot more than she had written down. Gladys cherished being a mother to her three girls Kim, Karen and Karmela. She taught them many things using the model we find in Proverbs 31. She encouraged her girls to be strong, intelligent and assertive. Gladys gained many "adopted" daughters and sons while teaching and mentoring for 60 years. Gladys was also a devoted grandmother who loved and protected her family. She will be missed by all her knew her.

A Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00PM. A Funeral service for Gladys will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, FL 33913, followed by a Graveside service from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM.