Funeral services for Mrs. Frances Swift Gladish of Fayetteville, TN, will be conducted Thursday at 11:00 am at Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Van Johnson officiating. Mrs. Gladish passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, December 29, 2013. She was born in Bumpus Mills, TN to William Thomas and Vida Knott Swift.
As a young girl, Frances lost her own Mother at the age of 4. She was the oldest of 4 children and was raised with one brother in Bumpus Mills, TN. Her twin brothers were split between families at birth, one raised in Michigan, the second in Bumpus Mills. Growing up on a farm, she knew what hard work was and always did her best.
During her teens and as she became a young lady, Frances’ interests began to develop in the field of business. She attended Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN with a concentration in business. After college, she held several jobs as bookkeeper for large companies and banks.
Frances met her husband, Darrell, in Columbia, TN at Mrs. Henley’s Boarding House. They were married on September 29, 1951 in Nashville, TN. After marriage, they resided in Murfreesboro, TN for several years and were blessed with their son, Steve and two years later their oldest daughter, Sharon.
Seattle Washington became their home for seven years where friends welcomed them. They were blessed again with 2 more daughters, Sandy followed by Vickie. She loved the beauty of Seattle, but always felt a longing for the South.
In 1964, Frances, Darrell and family made their home in Fayetteville, TN. Frances became a Welcome Wagon hostess and her Southern grace, smile and personality welcomed many a newcomer to Fayetteville. She loved meeting new people and always had a desire to help someone in need. Also, during her years in Fayetteville, many knew here as the “Country Cobbler Shoes Lady.” The shoe store was a fun, fulfilling job and gave her great pleasure.
Frances was a member of First Baptist Church of Fayetteville, TN, and a member of the Faith Sunday School Class. She loved her church, Sunday school class, Pastors, and the entire church family.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Darrell Gladish, and her brother, Wilson (Ann) Swift. She is survived by brothers, Bruce (Margie) Swift of Nashville, TN, and William (Margaret) Swift of Bumpus Mills, TN, son, Steve Gladish of Fayetteville, TN, daughters Sharon (Sky) Redpath of Dellrose, TN, Sandy (Greg) Davis of Brentwood, TN, and Vickie Larscheid of Naples, FL, 9 Grandchildren and 10 Great grandchildren. She lived a wonderful life and will be missed by all who were fortunate to have known her.
Visitation with the family will be Wednesday evening from 5 until 8 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home.
