Gladys L. Grissom

Gladys Louise Thacker Grissom, a resident of Metropolis, IL and a former resident of Johnson County, IL and Anna, IL, passed away Sunday afternoon, December 24, 2006, at 12:15 PM at the Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis, IL. At the time of her passing, Gladys had attained the age of 90 years, 5 months & 18 days. Gladys was born July 9, 1916 near Vienna, IL. She was the daughter of Cleveland Franklin Sloan and Blanche (Poor) Sloan. Gladys was united in marriage to Wallace Thacker in 1935. She was later united in marriage to T.R. Grissom in 1963. He preceded her in death in April 1991. Survivors include: 2 Daughters: Ruth & Stanley Mathis of Vienna, IL and Norma Jean Akin of Garfield, NJ; a Son: Cecil & Bonnie Thacker of Breese, IL; 7 Grandchildren: Tim Thacker, Scott Thacker, Patricia & Rick Cooper, Jerry & Kathy Mathis, Michelle Akin Ferber, Michael Peterson, & Rachel Akin 9 Great Grandchildren: Willem Thayer Mathis, Amelia Grace Mathis, Preston Thacker, Chris Thacker, Justin Thacker, Jeffrey Ferber, Sarah Ferber, C.J. Peterson, & Amanda Peterson; Nieces; Carolyn Davis of Morganfield, KY Marilyn Edwards of West Frankfort, IL; Special Friends: Collin & Ethelene Lyerla of Anna, IL. In addition to her Parents & Husbands, Gladys was preceded in death by: a Son-in-Law ƒ?" Richard Akin; a Granddaughter ƒ?" Gera Nicole Thacker; a Grandson ƒ?" Matt Akin; a Brother ƒ?" Cleveland F. Sloan, Jr.; and a Sister ƒ?" Helen Sherrels. Gladys was employed as a waitress at the former Bob White CafÇ¸ at West Vienna, IL. Also, along with her husband T.R., Gladys owned and operated the Tamms Shelter Care Home for approx. 15 years. Additionally, T.R. & Gladys partnered with Fred Cunningham in the operation of Cunningham Electric in Anna for a number of years. Gladys was a member of Banner Chapter Order of the Eastern Star and the Anna Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. She was also an officer of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Benevolent Society of Illinois. Gladys enjoyed traveling and participated in several group tours organized by Virginia Gray. Gladys was a devoted member of the Anna Heights Baptist Church and enjoyed participating in the activities of the churchƒ?Ts Young At Heart Senior Citizens Group. Gladys loved people and especially enjoyed helping others. Her last days were spent peacefully among the loving staff of caregivers and her large circle of friends at the Twin Oak Estates Assisted Living in Metropolis, IL. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, December 26, 2006, at 1 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Rev. Jerry Huckleberry will officiate. Interment will be in the Anna City Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 AM ƒ?" 1 PM Tuesday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Cancer Fund, PO Box 98, Vienna, IL 62995

Gladys L. Grissom

July 9, 1916 - December 24, 2006