08/31/2026
Gladys Lee Edwards
On Saturday, August 22, 2026, Gladys “Big G” L. Edwards peacefully entered eternal rest at the age of 95.
Born on November 11, 1930, in Smithfield, Virginia, Gladys was the oldest of seven children born to the late Susy Croker and Jerry Spratley. From the beginning, she carried the strength, independence, and sense of responsibility that would define her life. In addition to her parents, Gladys was preceded in death by her six siblings: Hezikiah Chandler, Cora Hearty, Alfield Dickson, Mary Knight, Albert Spratley, and Clarence Spratley.
In the early 1960s, Gladys moved from Virginia to the Philadelphia area in search of new opportunities and a different kind of life. What began as a move to a new place became the beginning of a life deeply rooted in community, service, family, and friendship.
In Germantown, PA, where she spent many of her later years, Gladys became a familiar and beloved presence. Many knew her simply as Miss Gladys. To others, she was affectionately known as Big G, and once you knew Big G, you didn’t forget her.
Gladys had a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She welcomed people without judgment and believed everyone deserved kindness, respect, a good meal, and a helping hand when needed. She opened her home, shared what she had, listened when people needed someone to talk to, and helped whenever she was able. Her generosity wasn't about recognition or getting something in return. Helping others was simply part of who she was.
She had no filter, and she was never afraid to say exactly what she thought. If you sat down with Miss Gladys, you could expect a story—Her stories were more than entertainment. They were lessons about life, relationships, s*x education, perseverance, responsibility, and how to make your way through the world. She had a way of taking her own experiences and turning them into wisdom for someone else. She wasn’t always going to tell you what you wanted to hear. She told you what you needed to hear.
Gladys dedicated her life to service and compassion, building a distinguished career as a private duty nurse and contributing her skills in nursing homes and domestic care.
She found immense joy in exploring the world, traveling by ship, plane, train, and bus to destinations such as New Orleans, Canada, Spain, Africa, Virginia, California, and beyond. Her sense of adventure and appreciation for life’s beauty inspired those around her.
For many years, she hosted memorable family gatherings at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Carrollton-Smithfield, traveling faithfully from Philadelphia to unite those she loved. These occasions became treasured traditions, filled with warmth, laughter, and lasting fellowship. Gladys’s generosity, unwavering integrity, and gracious presence left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She understood the importance of bringing people together, and she made it a priority to create spaces where family could simply enjoy being family.
Gladys was a pillar of her community. Her life touched people far beyond her immediate family.
She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son, Willis Edwards “Bubbles”, and her daughters, Wanda Claridy and Samaria V. Neal. She will also be lovingly remembered through the memories of her late daughters, Joyce Wilson and Regina Edwards.
Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Walter Wilson Jr., Tysha, Kisha, Maurice “Reese,” Daniel “Moo,” Saquawn “Quan,” Samir, Jasmine, Sydney, Sabree, and Sileah; her great-grandchildren: Dionte, Walter Wilson III, Alayna, Shawn, Daniel Jr., Micah, Chyna, Suhaylah “Sue Sue”, Nakayla, Carter, and Kayla; and her precious great-great-grandchild, Milana.
She will also be remembered with love by her devoted cousin, Freeman Chambliss (Joann), and special friends, Rose Benjamin, Steve and Angela Captain, along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends, neighbors, and members of the community whose lives she touched throughout the years.
On Wednesday, September 09, 2026, at 11am a Celebration of Life will take place at New Bethany Christian Church. Viewing will be held from 3-6pm on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in Nansemond-Suffolk Cemetery. Please keep the Edwards family in your prayers.
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