A funeral will be held Saturday, January 15, 2022 for 95-year-old Gladys Aline Bledsoe, of Creal Springs, Illinois, formerly of Chester, Illinois, who passed away at 11:42 p.m., Thursday, January 6, 2021 at SIH Herrin Hospital in Herrin, Illinois.
She was born December 21, 1926 in Bluford, Illinois, the daughter of Walter Ray and Viola (nee Hughes) Jones, who both preceded her in death.
Gladys married Amos Franklin Bledsoe on April 10, 1944 in Olive Branch, Illinois; he preceded her in death on October 2, 1988.
She is survived by two children: Gloria (Jerry) Cummins of Creal Springs, Ill. and Frank (Cheryl) Bledsoe of Homosassa, Fla.; two sisters: Mary Hart of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Maxine Cravens of Mt. Vernon, Ill.; six grandchildren: Mary Kay Bledsoe of Pinckneyville, Ill., Todd (Rachel) Bledsoe of Pinckneyville, Ill., Jackie (Anthony) Fletcher of Murphysboro, Ill., Kelly McMullen of Marion, Ill., Stacey Ramsey of Sparta, Ill., and Erin (Darren) Prange of Campbell Hill, Ill.; 10 great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by four brothers: Bob Jones, Walter Jones, William Jones and Clarence Jones and two sisters: Irene Milliren and Ella Mae Jones.
She was a member of First Baptist Church in Chester, Illinois.
Gladys was strong, generous and hardworking. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren well and helped raise and shape all of them into the people they are today. Her great-great grandchildren were fortunate to know her love as well. She was always nurturing and caring for people, from her own siblings and family to working as a nursing assistant at Chester Memorial Hospital.
Over the years, she also worked at the shoe factory and at a meat counter at the local grocery store.
Gladys enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. Her chicken and dumplings and her pies are family legends. She always tended a large, successful garden with a variety of vegetables, which she continued to maintain until a few short years ago. She also enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with her friends and family and piecing together puzzles.
Everyone who knew her, above all her family, will miss her wisdom and her love.
Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the Pechacek Funeral Home in Chester, Illinois.
A funeral for 95-year-old Gladys Aline Bledsoe, of Creal Springs, Illinois, formerly of Chester, Illinois, will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 15, 2021 at the Pechacek Funeral Home in Chester, Illinois. Dr. Mike Fogerson will officiate.
Interment will be in Paradise Cemetery in Steeleville, Illinois.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Gladys A. Bledsoe, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.