Gladys Wright Miller passed away on Thursday, October 4, 2018.

Gladys was born in Dayton, Ohio on April 18, 1926. She was the second child in the union of Etola Clark and Thaddeus Wright. Gladys moved to Akron as a teenager. She graduated from North High School.

In 1939, she met Charles “Chuck” Miller. They married in 1945. To that union, four children were born – Lynnette, Cheryl, Linda, and Lenard.

After working as a barmaid at the infamous Do B Gay Bar, she decided that she wanted something more secure to make sure “my girls can go to school.” She decided to become a licensed practical nurse.  She subsequently worked at Brecksville VA Hospital, retiring in 1987 after 23 years of service.

Gladys was an adoring parent who also loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as if she had birthed them.  Her favorite pastimes were shopping and caring for her home, plants and outdoor garden.  For many years, Gladys was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and local Black nurses’ organization.

Gladys had a wonderful eye for décor.  She and Chuck entertained regularly in their beautifully-styled home.  They were known for their parties where the food was always plenty, and the bar was always fully stocked.  Everyone was welcome.

Even though she was raised a Baptist and craved Gospel music, she said if Chuck showed interest in any church she had to follow.  (Those who really knew Chuck will understand.)  The church he chose was St. Philip’s Episcopal Church which she grew to love.  She was a faithful member, known for her kindness, willingness to serve, impeccable style and chick hats.

Gladys was preceded in death by Chuck, her husband of 61 years; daughter, Josephine Lytle; brothers, Frank, and Pete Wright; sisters, Clara Price, and Rosa Lee Wright. She is survived by her devoted children – Lynnette Miller of Akron, Ohio; Cheryl Harris of Chicago, Illinois; Linda Miller of Akron, Ohio; Lenard Miller of Long Beach, California; 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, 5 siblings and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.