Gladys Steward, daughter of the late Ennie and Emma Steward, was born on December 17, 1919. She is preceded in death by her sister, Clara, and six brothers, Frank, James (Jack), John, Emmitt, Ennie Jr., and Benny.

Gladys had two sons, Clyde and Raymond, who preceded her in death, as well as her granddaughter, Alice Steward Davis.

She grew up in a rural area near Hallettsville, Texas, and moved to Hallettsville as an adult. She followed her sons to live in Houston for a year. Since she didn't enjoy the city, she moved to Corpus Christi in 1959 and worked at the Sandy Shores Hotel for six years.

Gladys then worked as a housekeeper in private homes. In Corpus, Gladys surrounded herself with a community of friends who have become her family as well. Her favorite pastimes are bingo and watching wrestling and football.

Gladys was a member of St. Matthew Baptist Church in Corpus Christi.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her granddaughter Debbie Steward, great-granddaughters Che and Hannah Steward, and great-great-grandchildren SarahKay and Zion. Her niece June Trueblood in Dallas and grand nieces and nephews Carl, Kathy, and Michael Johnson, among others.

Her Corpus Christi Family includes Arnett Guy, Christopher Thomas, Larry Steward, Willie Mae Brown, and her family.