Gladys Massey ascended from earth to her heavenly home on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, following a long illness. She was born on Sunday, November 8, 1925, in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Carl and Azie Myricks.

Gladys was blessed to be born into a loving family, the third-born of nine children. She moved to Akron when her parents re-located in 1930. She was affectionately nicknamed “Red” by her father early in life due to her light-colored hair.

Gladys attended 807 Coburn Street Church where she accepted Christ at an early age. She later attended and joined the House of the Lord. She loved the Lord. She attended West High School and continued her education at Akron Practical Nursing School.

Both Gladys and her younger sister, Delores Smith graduated together as LPN’s in the same class. Gladys was married to Augustus Davis and that union produced two children, Juan (“Wheetie”) and Elaine (“Sis”). Both of her children preceded her in death.

However, her son was “fruitful,” and Gladys was blessed with five grandchildren to pamper and love. Gladys did marry a second time to James Massey who died in 2005.

Gladys was a hard worker and loved to work.  She loved to not just make money, but she loved to save money. Gladys worked at BF Goodrich for a short time before spending the balance of her career as a nurse at the Brecksville VA Hospital.

Gladys retired from there in 1990. She lived a full life. She loved to travel, and she went on many cruises. She loved her family and enjoyed the many family reunions and get-togethers over the years.  In her later years, Gladys and her younger sister, Delores, moved into the same apartment building in W. Akron so they could continue to watch over each other as they were both recent widows. As Gladys’ health declined, Delores played a more active role in her sister’s care. Gladys was not a complainer. She accepted her health issues with grace, dignity, and faith.  The last year or so of Gladys’ life was spent at Copley Health Center in Copley, Ohio.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Azie (Jones) Myricks; spouse, James Massey; son, “Wheetie”; daughter, “Sis”; brothers, Charles (CJ) Myricks, Carl Jr. Myricks; sisters, Christine “Sister” Roberts and Emily Lou Myricks.

Gladys leaves to mourn her passing sisters, Delores Smith, Estelle Lewis, Carmelia (Harvey) Starks (all of Akron); brother, William (Gladys) Myricks, Akron; sister-in-law, Cora Myricks, Akron; grandchildren, Juan Davis, Tracy Lavergne, Kim (Rodney) Goff (all from Texas), Shavaune Davis, Barberton, Ohio,  Brandon (Carlitta) Davis, Texas; 14 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.

“I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.”