GLADYS G. HOWARD
Died Jan. 16, 2008
PIKEVILLE -- Estella Gladys Bryan Garris Howard died at the Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro on Wednesday. Gladys was the daughter of John William and Chellie Anna Andrews Bryan. She was born in Wayne County, near Pikeville, in the same house in which her mother and her daughter were born. Gladys attended school in Belfast, grades 1-9, and graduated from Goldsboro High School in 1931.
Continuing her education at Guilford College, Gladys earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in 1935. She returned to Wayne County to teach at Rosewood High School where she taught home economics, reading and health education. In addition, Gladys planned menus, bought food and worked with home economics students to prepare lunch for all students and teachers.
Gladys and Eugene Garris were married in 1937. They made their home in Pikeville. After devoting several years to meeting family needs and raising a daughter, Gladys, in 1945, resumed her career. She taught home economics as an interim teacher and then became manager of the cafeteria at the Pikeville elementary school and high school. Following her position with Pikeville Schools, Gladys worked at Wayco and as a receptionist for Dr. William Pate in Pikeville. She became a social worker at the Wayne County Department of Social Work and soon began graduate work at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. She received the degree of Master of Social Work in 1962. As a student at the University of North Carolina, Gladys's field placement at Cherry Hospital led to a position as social worker in the children's unit at Cherry Hospital, a position she held until she retired. After "retirement" Gladys enjoyed a new career in a part-time position at the Peggy Ann Shop in Goldsboro.
Gladys was a member of Pleasant Grove Free Will Baptist Church in Pikeville. She was a member of the Pikeville Garden Club and of the David Williams Chapter in Goldsboro of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Gladys was known as a baker of cakes and bread which she shared with friends and family in the community. She loved flowers and sought to make her yard a beautiful place for all to enjoy.
Gladys wanted to travel. After she retired, she and Eugene enjoyed traveling in the United States and in Europe. Eugene died suddenly in 1990.
In 1995, Gladys and Hugh Howard of Pikeville were married. Each widowed, they enjoyed life together, traveling, going to the beach, spending time with their families and experiencing the pleasure of great-grandchildren. Hugh became a devoted caretaker of Gladys when her health began to decline.
Being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother brought joy to Gladys. Bear hugs from her grandsons and great-grandchildren were treasured. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Lynn McKnight and son-in-law, Sam McKnight, of Raleigh; two grandsons and granddaughters-in-law, Neal McKnight and Melanie Johnson McKnight of London, England, Andrew McKnight and Samantha Corson of Philadelphia, Pa.; great-grandchildren, Madeline, Hannah and Andrew McKnight of London, Bolton and Reed McKnight of Philadelphia.
The funeral service for Gladys will be in the sanctuary of the Pleasant Grove Free Will Baptist Church in Pikeville on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at 2 p.m. followed by burial at the Pikeville Cemetery. Before the service, friends are invited to visit with the family in the fellowship hall from 1 to 2 p.m.
Flowers will be appreciated, or memorial gifts may be made to Pleasant Grove Free Will Baptist Church or to the charity of your choice.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the Kitty Askins Hospice Center for their care of Gladys and for the kind assistance they provided for her family.
Seymour Funeral Home is assisting the family with the service.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on January 18, 2008 3:13 PM