Gladys Gustavia Bethany, 85, passed during the evening hours of Friday (August 9, 2019) following an extended illness. Gladys was born on June 10, 1934 in Kingsport, TN to the late John Samuel & Zelma Gustavia (Trent) Spears.
Gladys was known and loved by everyone as “Nana”. She enjoyed being outdoors working in her flowers, birdwatching, fishing, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a dedicated employee of Walmart for over 21 years. Gladys was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend; she will be greatly missed by all.
In addition to her parents, Gladys was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 28 years, Walter “Dub” Bethany; two brothers, John and Roy Spears; and sister, Josephine Ryan.
Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Tammy Owens and Debbie Foster & fiancée Allen Gentry; brother, Ray Spears; two sisters, Aldie Whitaker, and Imogene Ryan; four grandchildren, Donica Foster, Mindy Foster, Colt Owens & wife Morgan, and Lance Owens; six great-grandchildren, Grayson Canter, Tanzlee Canter, Evan Foster, Emmy Foster, Eithan Turner, and Khalid Owens; special friend, Donnie McCann; “furry-friend”, Oreo; all of her “adopted grandchildren”; fellow employees and friends of Walmart; several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Gladys will be laid to rest in the Garden of Everlasting Life II at East Lawn Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be made to the Bethany family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Bethany family.
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