February 11, 2023
On Saturday February 11, 2023, Gladys Virginia Smith also affectionately known as “G.V.”, of Schenectady, New York departed this life. Gladys was born on November 24, 1929 to the late Charles L. Jones and Virginia E. Jones (Touch) in Petersburg, Virginia.
Gladys was educated in the Petersburg Public School System, and graduated from Peabody High School Class of 1948 where she was recognized for her exceptional penmanship. Gladys had such a love and passion for people that in her early years she worked as a waitress, a self-employed beautician, as well as a nurse’s aide in Petersburg, Virginia. In 1966, Gladys relocated to Schenectady, New York for a better life with her seven children, Clarence W. Jones, Joyce A. Jones, Patricia A. Jones, Jane R. Smith, Shirley M. Fennicks, William O. Smith and Perryetta A. Edwards (Darrell).
Her compassion for others continued after she relocated to Schenectady where she continued to provide patient care. Gladys was recognized and given the Nurse’s Aide of the Year award in 1992, before retiring at the age of 74, from Glendale Nursing Home. Gladys was so devoted to her job that she tried to get to work in the midst of severe snowstorms, hail storms or extremely icy roads. The CATCH is that she did not drive and expected her family members or friends to have the same devotion and get her to work in the worst weather conditions. As the postal workers motto says, “Neither snow, nor rain, nor gloom of night could stop “G.V.” from getting to Glendale. Now that we think of it she could have gotten a job as a postal worker. Gladys found Christ while attending Jillfield Baptist Church as a young adult and continued her spiritual faith as Church Mother at Parsons Memorial Temple C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Pastor Richard I. Parsons. She later became a member and Church Mother at Higher Hope C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Pastor Darryl Cade.
Gladys’ hobbies were knitting, crocheting, gardening and doing puzzles. Her greatest joy was to prepare exquisite southern cuisine for her family on the holidays which brought her such great joy to have them all together. We will always remember Gladys for her most infectious distinct laugh.
Gladys was preceded in death by her brother, William T. Jones; daughters, Joyce and Patricia; and her parents, Charles and Virginia.
Left behind to hold on to the beautiful memories and eternal love for Gladys are her children, Clarence W. Jones, William O. Smith, Jane R. Smith, Shirley M. Fennicks, and Perryetta A. Edwards (Darrell) all of Schenectady, New York; fifteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; nieces, Charmaine Sedgwick of Maryland, Connie Hope (Alvin), Bridget McMullen, Nadine Williams, and Pamela Brown; nephews, Ricky Jones, Steven Jones (Maria), and Everard Jones all of Virginia; and a host of cousins, other relatives and special friends.
Obituary courtsey of J M Wilkerson Funeral Est Inc., 102 South Avenue (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.