Gladys Minerva Collier Sowell made her transition to her new Heavenly home on October 26, 2021, after a brief setback. She was
born on July 4, 1929, to her parents, Richard and Mamie Smith Kennedy Collier in Lawrenceburgh, Tennessee.
She professed a hope in Christ at an early age in the Church of Christ.
After marriage, she joined her husband at the St. Luke CME Church.
She returned to her home church by being rebaptized at High Street Church of Christ on February 3, 2019.
Gladys’ character was noble and grand. Her nickname, named by her community, was “Queen”. Her life was filled with giving gifts to her Heavenly Father, her church, family, community, and friends near and far. She served her community with an annual Thanksgiving dinner and invited everyone to attend. She served in many capacities.
She was the “Wind Beneath the Wings” of many.
She was a member of Fellowship Grand Chapter OES AF&AM and a member of Mt. Pisgah OES Chapter #3. She held many offices locallyand nationally. Gladys became a member of Long-Hodges-Lowe VFW Auxiliary Post 8640 after moving to Alabama.
Gladys was petite in size but large in stature and virtue. She was the owner of the Gladys Sowell Company which consisted of a beauty
salon, boutique, and Avon distributor.
She leaves to cherish her loving memories: a devoted niece and caretaker, Glenda K. Williams; four nephews, James (Mickey)
Bumpus,(Curly), William Leroy Kennedy, James E. Kennedy (Elizabeth), and Thomas M. Kennedy; godson, Jeffrey Cunningham;
goddaughter, Gwen Sanders; loving great-nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and special friends, Ann Cunningham, Paul and Annie
Cole, Josephine Metcalf, Terri Moore, Paula Malone, Jean Graves, Frank Roper, and Francine Johnson. To us, she was a special lady.
