Life is a journey that leads one in many directions. It is a journey that has its ups and downs, happy and sad times, highs and lows, difficult and challenging times. One never knows where this journey will take them. This journey began for Gladys Louise Jessup, affectionately called "Sis" by family and friends, on February 6, 1938, in Greensboro, NC as the second of five children born to the late Willis and Dorothy Gilreath Jeffries. On Wednesday, June 6, shortly after four-thirty p.m., God's trumpet sounded calling one of his dear children into a ream of heavenly rest. Peacefully she left her earthly home to join her Heavenly Father. Gladys grew up in a small community in rural Guilford County. Very early in life Gladys became a member of Collin's Grove United Methodist Church where she served with sincerity and devotion in many capacities. Whatever the task, great or small, she always gave her all. She let very little stand in the way of her responsibilities to her church. Later in life Gladys became a member of Raleigh's Crossroads United Methodist Church family where she also served with sincerity and devotion in many capacities. Gladys served as a pianist, she sang in the choir, she served on the Finance Committee as well as Interim Chairperson for a short period of time, the Trustee Board, Chairperson of the Cemetery Committee, Chairperson of the Pastoral Parrish Committee, Chairperson of the Membership Committee, and she organized the Vacation Bible School programs and taught Confirmation Classes. Gladys started her early years of schooling at Woody Side, the only black school in the community. She graduated from James B. Dudley High School and attended Bennett College graduating in June, 1959, with a BS Degree in Library Science. After graduation she worked in Raeford, NC. Upon returning to Guilford County, she was employed by the Guilford County Public School System where she served as the Media Specialist in several elementary schools. Gladys maintained her employment with the Guilford County School System where she retired as Media Specialist from Jamestown Elementary School. Gladys was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Augene Jessup on June 1, 1959. They were honored to be godparents to three lovely children, Kenneth Norman, Lynsi LeGrand, and Elyon Tayor. Gladys will always be remembered for her caring and giving spirit. She was always willing to help any person in need. One could say, that she believed that we should always do what's right, and do what's good when serving others. She gave generously to her family and others in need. She was loved dearly by all of her nieces and nephews and developed a special bond with each of them. She may be gone but will never be forgotten. Gladys was preceded in death, by one sister, Zilphia Ann Jeffries Miller, and a brother, Willis Jeffries, Jr. She leaves to mourn her death: two sisters, Barbara J. Miller (Shannon Gray Rehabilitation) of Jamestown, NC, and Mae J. Cole of High Point, NC; two sister-in-laws Genova Enoch of Charlotte, NC, and Pauline Ruffin of Greensboro, NC; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of relatives and friends.

A service honoring her life will be held Monday, June 11, 2018 at St. John United Methodist Church; 1304 Merritt Dr, Greensboro, NC. The visitation will begin at 11 am and the service will follow at 11:30 am. The interment will take place following the service at Raleigh's Crossroads Church Cemetery; 715 Guilford College Rd, Greensboro, NC.