Gladys Quarles, age 94, went to her heavenly home on February 15, 2020. She died peacefully at Baptist Hospital East Hospice with her five children by her side.

Gladys is survived by her children, Wayne Quarles (Elizabeth), Linda Quarles, Teresa Williams (Eddie); Vicky Edwards (Roger) and Sharon Shreeves (Rick). She leaves seven grandchildren, Clint Wilkinson, Eric Wilkinson (Stephanie), Christine Quarles, Lindsay Hondlenk, JD Hondlenk (Shelbie), and Scott Edwards. In addition she leaves 5 great grandchildren, Jake Wilkinson, Shelbie Wilkinson, Walker Wilkinson, Lilly Wilkinson and Gus Wilkinson. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Arthur Quarles, her precious grandson Shane Edwards, parents William and Elizabeth Varndell and seven siblings.

Gladys was born on June 17, 1925 in Hampton Wick, England. She was the youngest of eight children. As a young girl, she experienced the effects of World War II and survived the bombings during the London blitz. This terrifying time for her also brought joy when she met Arthur who was an American soldier stationed in England. They married in England and she followed her husband to the United States. It was thirteen years and five children later before she could return to visit her British family. She did not have an easy life but never allowed her suffering to take away her joyful spirit.

Gladys, also commonly known as Nana, was loved by family, friends, neighbors and strangers alike. She was a member of Advent Presbyterian Church and loved to attend services and especially loved seeing all the young children. She was so grateful that she was able to live a long life and remain active in the lives of those she loved. She taught others how to love God, to love and see the good in others, to be thankful for small blessings and to give even when we thought we couldnt give any more.

A visitation and celebration of life will be held from 11am to 12pm on Friday, Feb 21st at Highpoint Funeral Home at 3788 Summer Ave in Memphis. Graveside service to follow at 1pm at Forest Hill East, 2440 Whitten Rd.