Mrs. Gladys Smith passed on Monday, March 20, 2023. A Memorial Service honoring her life will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Reid Memorial CME Church at 2:30 pm., 1010 Bennett Street, Greensboro, NC.

There comes a time when the ship of death makes an unscheduled stop along the rivers of life to pick up passengers. On March 30, 2023 the ship stopped for Gladys Marie Smith, the eldest daughter of the late Beatrice and Hubert McLaughlin. God realized her body was tired and that she had completed her work here on Earth. He whispered in her ear, "come home."

This is not a time to mourn, but a time to celebrate the life and love of a mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend who stood strong and firm in the Lord.

Gladys joined Reid Memorial in the early 1960's, where she was dedicated to the church by serving on numerous boards, committees, and organizations. Just to mention a few: Missionary Society, Stewardess Board and Lay Council. She received many certificates and awards from the church for her selfless commitment of fellowship.

Gladys had a kind, loving and strong spirit which drove her into the Healthcare Industry for the majority of her career. She worked at both the old and new L. Richardson Hospital and later retired from Moses Cone Hospital.

Gladys was born on December 30, 1932 in Carthage, North Carolina. She later moved to Greensboro with her husband who was a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and made this her home.

She is preceded in death by her husband, George N. Smith; sisters, Helen Goins (Mack) and Annie Shamberger (Thurman); brothers, James and Aaron McLaughlin; sons, George N. Smith, Jr., and Willie A. Smith (Sheila); daughter, Gloria B. Smith and grandson, Willie A. Smith, Jr.

Her "Homecoming" is truly a time of celebration for those whose lives she lovingly touched. The legacy of her Christian spirit, a life of service, and a life of faith will always be remembered by her loving daughter, Georgiana Smith (Atlanta, GA); brother, Willie McLaughlin; granddaughter, Ora Nicole Graham-Merchant; great-granddaughters, Zion Sides and Zoe Hillman; two nieces; and a host of cousins, in-laws and friends.