Gladys H. Willis

Gladys (Hurst) Willis, of New Britain, made a peaceful transition surrounded by loved ones, into God’s eternal rest on Tuesday July 5, 2022. Gladys was born on September 24, 1934, to the late James and Ruby Mae Hurst. Gladys was pre-deceased by her loving husband W. Stephen Willis.

Gladys was a lifelong member of the Union/Spottswood AME Zion Church where she served on several boards and ministries. She was employed by The City of New Britain where she was the first African American women to work as a stenographer. Gladys also worked for the Fafnir Bearing Company of New Britain for over forty years before retiring.

Gladys leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Mahrlon (Miles) Willis (Winifred) of Vernon, CT, and Bryan (Tilly) Willis of Charlotte, NC, ‬grandsons Christopher Willis (Patricia) of Sherman Oaks, CA, and Shaun Willis (Aimee) of Vancouver, BC Canada. Four great-grandchildren, Jordin and Lailah Willis and Wesley and Naia Willis. Brothers Gregory Chappel of Austin, TX and Michael Chappel of Philadelphia, PA, and sister Betty Parker (John), of Bonaire, GA, and a host of, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends.

Gladys was pre-deceased by two brothers, Willie C. Hurst, and Junior Cleo Hurst (Jeanette), and a sister Nelia Mae Hurst, sisters-in-law Gertrude (James) Lynch, Lue Pearl (Woodrow, Sr.) Floyd, Mary (McKeever) McCoy, six brothers-in-law, Cephus (Lucy), Ulysses Jr., Howard Sr. (Rosa Lee), Jessie (Mildred), Lexton, Sr. (Louise), and Julius (Lizzie) Willis.

Gladys’ life was devoted to God and her family. She loved raising her sons with her husband Stephen and adoring her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gladys served on the board of Trustees for the Spottswood AME Zion Church for over thirty years. Gladys was consecrated as a Deaconess at Spottswood where she diligently executed her duties for many decades. She generously extended her calling as a deaconess beyond the confines of the church. Giving back to her community by doing volunteer work and outreach. Gladys was also a dedicated Board member of the Human Resources Agency (HRA) for many years. Gladys was an active member of the PAC (Political Action Committee) and a delegate for Spottswood in the New Britain Area Interfaith Conference (NEWBAIC). Gladys also served as a liaison between Spottswood and their sister church Kensington Congregational in Kensington CT.

Gladys was always offering a kind word and encouragement for family, friends, and strangers alike, and many sought her council and friendship. She had a passion for the arts and enjoyed attending live music events and museums with her family and friends. She also loved interior design and home decoration, and she had a keen appreciation for high fashion. She was truly a woman of style and grace. But first and foremost, she was a woman of God and her relationship with Him always radiated through her and guided her every step.

Services for Gladys will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Calling hour is from 10-11am with the private Homegoing Celebration beginning at 11am. Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, 25 Crestwood Lane, New Britain, Reverend Samuel C. Blanks presiding.

Burial will follow immediately at Fairview Cemetery, New Britain.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NewBritainSagarino.com for the Willis family.