Gladys was born on Thursday, July 23, 1931 in Bethel Tennessee. She was the only child born to the late Smueth Rhodes and Mary Grigsby.
Along with her mother at an early age, she moved to Louisville, Kentucky in the late 1930's. She attended Central High School and later gained employment at Philip Morris where she was a Lab Tech and Machine Operator for 37 1/2 years. She retired in 1986.
Gladys loved hosting Family Gatherings and holidays at her house. She was known for her Pies, Water Gate Cake, and her “Spicy Dressing” and defined “Soul Food Sunday’s”. July was a very special month for her to celebrate birthdays and attend Family Reunions. It was another reason to travel and father with family and unite as one.
Gladys is preceded in death by her husbands, George Ferguson, John Smith, Sr., and Edward Garnett. She is also preceded in death by her eldest child, Joseph Ferguson.
Gladys is survived by her children: Lottie Mitchell (Donald), Larry Ferguson (Wanda), Charles Johnson (Pam), Ronald Ferguson, Gail Polk, and John Smith, Jr. (Delita); a host of grandchildren, great – grandchildren, great – great – grandchildren, great – great – great – grandchildren and cousins, family and friends. She is also survived by a beloved daughter – in – law, Viola Ferguson and two bonus sons, Gary Spence and Ronald Todd.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Dignity Chapel of Evergreen Funeral Home. Gladys will be laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion of the Evergreen Cemetery & Garden Mausoleums, where she will rest for eternity. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the Funeral Hour of 2:00 p.m. also at the Evergreen Funeral Home on Friday, September 15, 2023.
