Cherished Memories of Callie Cleo Gladney

On March 20, 1907 in Lane, Oklahoma, the first Rose was blossomed from the union of Benjamin and Elbie Smith. They named their precious daughter Callie Cleo Smith. Callie, her four sisters, and one brother were primarily raised in Vian, Oklahoma. Sister Gladney received her education in Maybelle and Vian, Oklahoma. She professed her love and hope in Christ at an early age in Vian. She later united with Wilson Chapel Baptist Church in Haskell, OK. where she remained a faithful member until her health began to fail.

Callie Cleo met and married Mr. Ruffin Gladney on December 16, 1923. She was a loving and devoted wife who showed unconditional love for her children and grandchildren. Sister Gladney loved gardening, sewing, cooking, canning and was an inspiration to all young mothers around her and other children in the community.

On Saturday Morning, August 2, 2008, at the age of 101, Benjamin and Elbie's Rose had blossomed to its fullest, and joined her Father's Eternal Garden. Preceding her in death: two siblings, Raymond Smith, and Ivy Jean Irish, four children, James Gladney, Fannie Gladney, Elbie Riley, and Corenzo B. Smith. Remaining to cherish her precious memories are three loving sons: Charles and Barbara Gladney, Muskogee, OK., Donald and Dorothy, Gladney, Haskell, OK., and Raymond Curley and Janice Gladney, Kansas City, Missouri, three sisters: France and Pete Finney, Webbers Falls, OK., Gladys Hood, New Jersey, and Della and Linton James, Tulsa, OK., 17 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, 24 great-great grandchildren, 8 great-great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and a special caregiver, Rebecca Thomas.

Services for Ms. Gladney will be Saturday August 9, 2008 at 11AM at Greater Shiloh Baptist Church. Visitation will be Friday from 12Noon to 6PM.