News Summary
Gladys James Moses, a cherished member of the Florence community, passed away after a brief illness. Known for her hospitality and service, she leaves behind a loving family and a legacy of compassion. Friends and family celebrate her impact and contributions, highlighting the warmth she brought to those around her. Funeral details are forthcoming as the community reflects on her life and legacy of love.
Florence, South Carolina – Gladys James Moses, a beloved figure known for her dedication to her family and community, passed away on May 8, 2025, after a brief illness. She was 71 years old and surrounded by loved ones during her final moments in Florence, where she was born and raised.
Born on October 26, 1953, Gladys was a cherished daughter of the late Wilbur and Marie Ruth James. Known affectionately as “Nan” by her family and friends and as “Mema” to her great-grandchildren, she was a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Her legacy lives on through her children, Connie (John) Simmons and Latashia (Marlon) Williams, both from Tennessee, along with her eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Gladys graduated from Wilson High School and worked diligently as a seamstress at A Stitch In Time until her retirement. After a lifetime of service in various capacities, she was best known for her exceptional hospitality and her passion for cooking. Her famous chicken salad and her eagerness to host family gatherings made her a central figure in her community.
Her commitment to her faith was evident as she was baptized at an early age and served at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church. Her contributions to the church included active involvement in the kitchen ministry and the pastor support ministry, where she dedicated her time to serving others.
Throughout her life, Gladys maintained a special connection to her family and friends. She is remembered for the love and strength she exhibited, qualities that were integral to her identity. In addition to her immediate family, she shared close bonds with her companion, John Bines, and three god-children—Tamara (Jamel) Lyde, Orlando (Angela) James, and Reilyn Bacote. The Robinson family was also a significant part of her life, regarded as her god sisters and brothers.
Gladys’ family tree extends beyond her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her siblings: Beatrice Taylor, Betty James, and Mary (Archie) Gray from Enoree, SC, as well as her brother, Melvin James, and two sisters-in-law, Gloria and Linda James. Her family mourns not only her loss but also the passing of her two sisters, Virginia James and Lilly Bell James, and seven brothers: Wilbert Jr., Don, Jon, Jimmy Lee, Roy Lee, Willie George, and Leroy (Ricky) James. She also predeceased her aunt Beatrice Rorie, niece Shirley Ann Hudson, and nephews Sammie Taylor and Nakia Montrell James.
Many cherished her friendships, particularly with best friends Emma Prescott and Harriet Waiters, highlighting the wide-reaching impact she had on those around her.
The community of Florence remembers Gladys as a source of warmth and support, her life rich with memories of love and compassion. Funeral details are yet to be announced, but messages of condolence have encouraged those who knew her to reflect on the influence she had in their lives, celebrating her legacy of service and love.
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Additional Resources
- Draper-G. Myers Mortuary: Gladys Moses Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Layton-Anderson Funeral Home: Suzanne Livingston Obituary
- Google Search: Obituaries in Florence South Carolina
- Smith Funeral Homes: Martha James Obituary
- Google Scholar: Obituaries
- Carolina Funeral Home: Big John Calcutt Jr Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Layton-Anderson Funeral Home: Morghan Gore Obituary
- Google News: Obituary News
