Gladys Irene Dillon

Gladys Dillon died on March 6, 2021, in Spokane, Washington. She was 85.

Growing up in Rocky River, Ohio, Gladys experienced the saving power of salvation at 16. After graduating from high school, she enrolled at Baptist Bible Seminary (now Clarks Summit University).

“First and foremost, she believed the gospel,” says Pat Brannen, her college roommate and lifelong friend. “It was the guiding principle of her life.”

She moved to Chicago in 1959, taking a position at the GARBC offices and within two years she was promoted to supervisor of the customer service department. Pat also got a job at GARBC and soon they were joined by Isabelle Hollenbaugh and Valerie Wilson; all four would serve at the GARBC office for 40 years or more.

Gladys eventually moved to the suburbs and joined First Baptist Church of Arlington Heights where she taught Sunday School, played the organ, and directed the choir.

Gladys married Chuck Dillon, a longtime member of First Baptist Church whose wife had passed away, in 1995. Chuck’s children quickly adopted Gladys as family.

She retired in 1998, enjoyed her years with Chuck, and when he passed away, Gladys went back to work. She retired for good in 2011, moving to Spokane, close to Chuck’s daughter. She soon found a new church family at New Hope Bible Church.

On March 4th she suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital. Of course Gladys was taking notes, like she was preparing for an important meeting. She made a list of names and asked her granddaughter to help with a few final phone calls.

“That was Gladys—an organizer until the very end,” Valerie says. “I was probably the last one she talked to.” And Gladys got right to the point. “I’m not going to be here long, and that’s okay. I’m going to Heaven!” Then Gladys fell asleep.

Gladys is survived by her three stepchildren, Sharon (Edward) Palacio, Charles (Eileen) Dillon, and John M. (Nancie) Dillon, eight grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by Pat Carapelle, Valerie Wilson, Isabelle Hollenbaugh, and many friends.