Gladys Williams Gaston.
January 29, 1934 -July 22, 2015
Philosopher, dreamer, beloved grandmother and great grandmother, devoted teacher, friend, colleague, life-long learner, and fantastic mother. These words are used to describe Gladys Gaston but they do not begin to define all of the special qualities that made Gladys Gaston an inspiration for countless people.

Born in Montgomery, Alabama January 29, 1934, Gladys was the second of five children for Elizabeth and Thomas Williams. Her endless quest for knowledge drove Gladys to excel at academics. She graduated from Wenonah High School in Birmingham, Alabama at the age of 16. In 1954, she graduated from Alabama State University with a bachelor's degree in education.

Gladys began her long teaching career in Lubbock, Texas, touching the lives of hundreds of children with her nurturing spirit, kindling in them the same passion she had for knowledge. She taught Special Education at Posey Elementary School and then spent the last years of her career teaching Content Mastery at Nat Williams Elementary. It was during this time period Gladys obtained her Master's Degree in Education. After 32 years of teaching, Gladys retired in 1999. A fellow coworker said this about Gladys as a teacher "Miracle Worker - She instills a thirst for knowledge and takes the time not only to teach but to love".

Not only an incredible teacher, Gladys was also a fantastic, loving mother to her nine children. After a long day of teaching, Gladys could be found attending the concerts, open houses, parent conferences, and athletic events involving her children. She was a true believer in hard work and provided the inspiration and belief that anything was possible. She was truly the "wind beneath their wings" for the successes of her children which include 6 college graduates with Master's Degrees, two West Point graduates, a senior navy enlisted officer, 3 Army officers, an airman, a navy nuclear specialist, two teachers, an LPN, an engineer, an x-ray technician, and a nurse practitioner.

During her retirement, Gladys could often be found reading suspense books, watching documentaries, and working on her beloved crosswords. She had such an inquisitive mind and a wide breath of knowledge. She could carry on conversations about almost any subject, ranging from the Dead Sea Scrolls and whirling dervishes, to the Ming Dynasty in China. Another activity Gladys enjoyed was spending time with her family. Gladys especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gladys was preceded in death by her son, Michael and is survived by her eight children, Sylvester (Diane), Ron (Karen), Sylvia, Tony, Janis, Angela (Brian Olson), Patricia, and Patrick (Michelle); grandchildren: Chris, Mandy, Zach, Dina, Sean, Ian, Alec, Jamahl, Carlos, Erin, Gabby, Jennifer, January, and Brandon; great- grandchildren: Oliver, Elliott, Kaiya, and Nora.

The family appreciates and wishes to thank hospices nurses, Carmen Smith Salazar and Clerice Apodaca. The friendship, care, and support they provided for Gladys and her family were some of our bright spots during this past year. The family also wishes to thank the Gentiva Hospice Nurses and CNA's on the 10th floor of Lovelace Hospital and Dr. Kim from Gentiva Hospice for the care they provided for Gladys. They are true professionals who provide outstanding comfort and care during an extremely difficult time.

In accordance with Gladys' wishes she was cremated and the family had a private ceremony to celebrate her life.

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