Gladys Smith

Gladys Floyd Smith made her entrance into this world on December 25, 1931, in Albany, Georgia. She was the beloved daughter of Hunter & Atlene Floyd. Gladys received her formal education from public schools in Albany, Georgia.

Being raised in a Christian home, Gladys found Christ in her earlier years, becoming a Christ-centered, Holy and sanctified woman of God. In her later years, she formally joined Hargis Street Church of God in Christ. While there, Gladys was very involved in service, becoming a Sunday School teacher, a missionary, and a dedicated member of the Mother Board. She was a woman of faith and belief. After the medical community told her she would never walk again, she proved them wrong by being resilient, determined, fervently praying, and trusting in the Power of God. Gladys raised her children up in the fear of the Lord and instilled in them the importance of service to Him. For a short time, she and her children formed a gospel music group and often sang at the local churches.

She was an amazing cook, everything she cooked was good. Her favorite meal to cook was collard greens and fried chicken. She loved fried chicken. Sunday meals were amazing for the family. She was known for making Homemade Ice Cream, which she sold to make money for missionary support. She would cook for the preachers and other church leaders. She was also known for sweet potato pie.

As part of Gladys’ dedication to service, she worked as a nurse's aid for years at Southland Villa Nursing Home in Temple, Texas. One of the things she loved most was wearing her pristine nursing whites. A little-known fact about Gladys is that she loved to write poetry and music.

Having lived a wonderful, blessed life, in His infinite wisdom, God called Gladys home peacefully into his loving grace on January 29, 2026.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Hunter & Atlene Floyd; her husband, John E. Smith; her brothers John Wesley Floyd and John Easter Floyd; her children, Artense Baker and Bill Kernard McKinley.

Those left to cherish her memories are: her children, Luvernia Stapleton (Alfred), Johnnie Mathis, Linda Chavou, Ricky B. McKinley (Shonda), and Gladys Lowry; her grandchildren, Lacey Edley (Brian), Kimberly Allen, E.J. (Elijah) Black, John Mathis, Jr.(Shanease), Tyrone Mathis, Felix Benson (Louise), Yolanda Robinson, James Octavious Cade, Jacquandalyn Cade, Cortalius Cade, Bill McKinley, Jr., Enjoli Mckinley, Ricky McKinley, II, Ricky McKinley, III, Ricky Madison, Jr., Avis Sauls (Kevin), and her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.