Gladys "Toni" Hess

Gladys Anntoinette Hess, lovingly known to all as “Toni,” passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026, in her home surrounded by loved ones. Leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, faith, and cherished memories. Born on February 9, 1958, in Jacksonville, Florida, Toni made her home in St. Augustine, Florida, where she built a beautiful life surrounded by the people she loved most.

Toni was the beloved wife of Charles E. Hess “Chuck“, with whom she shared 30 wonderful years of marriage. They were married on April 5, 1996, and together they enjoyed a life filled with love, family, adventure, and many cruises and traveling.

Above all else, Toni was devoted to her family. She was a loving mother to two daughters, Alecia Cotchaleovitch and Brandi Golden and her husband, Drew and one son, Matt Hess and his wife, Tanner. She was a proud Nanny to Abigail Padgett and her husband, Tyler Padgett, Benjamin Cotchaleovitch and his wife, Addi, Olivia, Elizabeth, Ava Cotchaleovitch, Willow Rensel and Madelyn Hess. She was also blessed with two great-granddaughters, Charlotte and Stella Padgett and one great-grandson Truett Padgett, who was born on the very morning she passed away—a bittersweet and extraordinary reminder that while one generation was saying goodbye, another was just beginning its journey. Also, a great grandson due in Nov to Ben and Addi.

Toni is survived by her beloved and devoted husband, Chuck; her children; her grandchildren; her great-grandchildren; her brother, Raymond Bullock, and his wife, Nadine; and her sisters; Sylvia Barber and her husband, Jimmy, and Dolores Hambleton and her husband, Steve. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews and dear friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Toni was a woman of tremendous accomplishment and determination. She earned both an Associate’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Telecommunications and went on to enjoy a successful and lengthy career as a telecommunications engineer. She took great pride in her work and in the life she built through her own strength, intelligence, and dedication.

She was also a woman of many talents and passions. Toni loved sewing, cooking, baking, estate sales, and gardening. She had an eye for beauty and a gift for creating things with her hands. She loved traveling and especially enjoyed going on cruises with her husband. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She took great pride in her duties and activities which included, historic preservation, education, and Patriotism. She made lifelong friends who will deeply miss her.

But those who knew Toni best will remember that her greatest passion was people—especially her family. Her personality was truly bigger than life. She loved everyone she met and had an enormous heart. She loved visiting her family, taking care of them, and making sure they were happy. Her family was the center of her world.

Her faith also became an important and cherished part of her life. A recent convert to the Catholic faith, Toni embraced the Roman Catholic Church with a devoted and wholehearted love. She dedicated herself to Jesus and the Blessed Mother, and her faith brought her great comfort, purpose, and joy.

Toni was preceded in death by her father, Charles R. Bullock; her mother, Lorine Bullock Cason; and her stepfather, George Cason

Those who knew and loved Toni will remember her not only for the life she lived, but for the way she made people feel—loved, cared for, welcomed, and important. She was vibrant, generous, fiercely devoted to her family, and impossible to forget.

Her life was a gift to those around her, and her love will continue through the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she adored. Though her family will miss her beyond words, the legacy of love she created will live on in every generation that follows.

May she rest in the loving arms of Jesus and the Blessed Mother, until the day her family is together with her again.