Gladys Miriam Baptist Lash died peacefully at her home on Wednesday August 30, 2023 with her family and friends by her side.

She was born on July 19, 1932 in Norfolk, Virginia, and moved to Newport News, Virginia in 1942. Shortly thereafter she moved with her parents to Hilton Village, Warwick County, VA., where she attended Hilton School,  Morrison and graduated from Warwick High School in 1950. Many years later, she attended Thomas Nelson Community College where she received her professional certification for Educational Office Personnel.

She was predeceased by her parents Melville Harwood Baptist and Gladys Coleman Baptist along with her husband John Wesley Lash, Jr.

Gladys is survived by her two sons, John Wesley Lash, III (Barbara) of Newport News; and James Thomas Lash, also of Newport News; and her beloved Cat "Abbie."

Extended family members include Christopher Holland, Sharon Tessman, Walter "Bo" Parrish and David G. Nutbrown and her many friends, and neighbors.

Gladys was a lady of Faith from early childhood, having attended St. Paul's Episcopal, St. Stephen's Episcopal and St. Andrew's Episcopal Churches, all located in Newport News.

Gladys was the Adult Girl Scout Troop Leader for The Mariner Scout Troop 14 in Warwick County. She and the girls went on many field trips and excursions. Their friendship lasted long after they had aged out of the program, went to college, started careers and families. They often would converse via telephone, e-mail and regular mail when they were unable to meet in person. They would occasionally meet for special occasions, holiday lunch, or dinner. Up until recent weeks, Gladys forever being the leader, was checking in with her "Girls."

Gladys was one of the longest residents of Hilton Village where she grew up and raised her family. She resided in the same house for over 80 years and enjoyed working in her yard which was admired by many. She loved her community, the holidays, the festivals and parades.

She was very active in the Hilton Village Horticultural Group and the Peninsula Council of Garden Clubs for many years and other volunteer, civic, professional and service organizations. Gladys was also especially proud to be active in and a member of the Hampton Association of Educational Office Personnel. Gladys was also a member of the Newport News – Warwick Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Gladys was employed by and retired from Hampton City Schools after a long career working at Bethel High School, Syms Middle School, Cary Elementary School and Kraft Elementary, retiring in 2006.

After retirement, Gladys shortly thereafter went to work in the City of Newport News Treasurer's office part time and worked there for over 10 years.

Gladys loved to travel with her family along for the adventure, having been to many states of the union, including Alaska and Hawaii. She traveled outside the United States to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, England, Scotland and Wales. From Ancestral lands, numerous National Parks, historical noteworthy locales to beaches, mountains, the Grand Canyon, rainforests, a volcano and even took a white water rafting trip down the Snake River.

Gladys loved visiting Charlottesville and shopping at the University of Virginia Bookstore. She was a very proud University of Virginia Mom and supporter.

Gladys had many other hobbies and interests including history, attending theatre, musical concerts, watching sports, creating crafts, reading and the latest technology to name just a few.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the following:

Riverside Regional Medical Center Emergency Department doctors, nurses, caregivers and support staff.

Riverside Regional Medical Center Pavillon doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, care givers and support staff especially those on the 4th and 5th floors who cared for Gladys.

The Newport Skilled Nursing facility doctors, physical and occupational therapists, care givers and support staff that cared for Gladys.

We especially want to acknowledge the Riverside Health Hospice Care Team for their kind, and professional attention of Gladys and her family. They include Hospice Nurse Valerie, who was absolutely incredible! Also, LCSW Mario for his gentle and professional manner, On-call Hospice Nurses Scott and Carl who were terrific and very supportive as well as other support staff.

Special thanks to Tammy who is a Case Manager III and RN at The Patient Advocate Foundation. Tammy was invaluable in assisting and advising the family in navigating the complex medical, insurance and related questions that we had.

We would like to also acknowledge the support of Dr. Amudha Palani, MD and her assistant Katie at TMPG Hidenwood Family Medicine for the care and kindness over the years.

We are most thankful for all of the support and friendship of Lee Freeman to Gladys and the family. You were a godsend.

A huge thanks to neighbor and friend Liz Rollins, who assisted us and our Gladys in so many ways and was there providing care and whatever needed to be done. Truly an Angel!

We are grateful to Allison Clock for her assistance with a special flower arrangement and her long time friendship with Gladys.

Thank you to W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home and staff for their compassion and providing professional service to our Mom and family.

Special thanks to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and Reverend Marc Vance, for all of the spiritual support and guidance.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy in lieu of flowers can be made in memory of Gladys Baptist Lash to one following organizations: the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank 2401 Aluminum Dr. Hampton, VA 23661, the Patient Advocate Foundation 421 Butler Farm Rd. Hampton, VA 23666 or The Shriners Children's Hospital C/O: Khedive Shrine Center 645 Woodlake Dr. Chesapeake, VA 23320.

Gladys loved her cat "Abbie", her family, friends and neighbors and she will be extremely missed.

The family is very grateful for all of the love and support given to us and our beloved Mom Gladys.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023 from 6-7 pm at W. J. Smith and Son Funeral Home 210 Harpersville Rd. Newport News, VA. 23601

Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 1pm at Peninsula Memorial Park. The cemetery is located at 12750 Warwick Blvd. Newport News, VA. 23606.

Following the Graveside service, a Celebration of Life reception in honor of Gladys will be held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church. The church is located at 45 Main St. Newport News, VA. 23601.