Gladys Mae Felker, 81, joyfully entered the loving arms of her precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her devoted family. Her journey began in Edwards, Mississippi, where she was born to the late Willie Bea (Crowder) Fowler and lovingly raised by her grandparents, George and Ruth Robinson. It was in their home that Gladys’s unwavering faith, strength, and values were planted qualities that blossomed throughout her entire life.

A proud graduate of Rose A. Temple High School in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Gladys later pursued training in nursing before building an exceptional 40 plus year career with General Motors. She served faithfully at multiple locations—including the LaGrange Parts Plant, Champaign, Illinois the Truck and Bus Plant, Janesville, WI and the Fort Wayne Truck Assembly Plant—earning the respect of everyone who worked beside her. Gladys was an active member of UAW Local 2209 and served proudly on the Women’s Committee. Her dedication, steady consistency, and humble excellence left a lasting imprint on everyone who worked alongside her and became hallmarks of her professional legacy.

Yet Gladys’s greatest calling was her family. A devoted mother to her five daughters, she poured heart, time, and unfaltering dedication into raising, guiding, and empowering them. She was a gentle but powerful presence—humble, steady, and strong in that quiet way that anchors entire generations. Her daughters lovingly remember her as “life’s best instructor,” teaching them not only skills and discipline, but the perseverance, grace, and inner strength needed to thrive. Every lesson—spoken or shown—was rooted in love.

Gladys embraced life fully. She loved exploring new places, traveling across the United States and abroad whenever the opportunity appeared. Whether embarking on an adventure or enjoying the simple sweetness of ordinary days, she found joy in being with her family, sharing meaningful conversations, and delighting in the growth and accomplishments of those she loved. Her presence brought peace, wisdom, and calm to every room—her spirit, a quiet light that guided and uplifted others.

Left to celebrate her beautiful life and carry forward her legacy of faith and love are her daughters, Audrey D. (Willie) Morgan Benson, Olivia R. Morgan, Yolanda K. Calvin, Tonja L. (Ronald) Felker-Stewart, and Kimberly L. (Larry) Hopson; her grandchildren, Krystal Morgan, Morgan (Bre) Alexander, Anna-Nia Morgan, Andrea (Lloyd) Fairgood, Meghan Felker, Marcus (Aakira) Felker, Samantha Felker-Suchland, Nile Hopson, and Roman Hopson; her siblings, Leon Robinson, Ray Robinson, Sharon (Larry) Wallace, Michelle (Raymond) Jackson, Jeffrey (Jean) McGee, and Jesse (Lisa) McGee; nieces, Lisa (Greg) Morrow, Ethel (Bob) Walker, and Tasha (Clay) Burgoon; nephew, Kenneth Robinson; and a loving host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Gladys is reunited in Heaven with her mother, Willie Bea Fowler; her cherished grandparents, George and Ruth Robinson; and siblings, Willie M. Brass, Michael Robinson, and Ruth Robinson.

A Celebration of Gladys’s Life will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at True Love Baptist Church, 715 E. Wallace Street, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends will gather to honor a life beautifully lived and a legacy that will continue to shine brightly.

Memorial contributions may be made to Iris Family Support Center (formerly SCAN).

Second Timothy Chapter 4: 7-8 reads, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services have been entrusted with arrangements.