Gladys Ophelia Reynolds the first daughter born on September 7th, 1941 in Red Bird, Oklahoma to G.W. Reynolds, Jr. and Velma Humphrey Reynolds.

Gladys attended Miller Washington High School in Red Bird, Oklahoma and graduated in 1959. She confessed her hope in Christ at an early age and joined the Wharton Chapel AME church and later united with the First Baptist Church where she served diligently in the position of President of the usher board.

Gladys excelled in her job in the nursing profession for many years and was known for the loving care, tender spirit and companionship towards her patients, employees and family and many others.

Gladys was a fifty one year member of the Lily White Chapter #104 Redbird Order of the Eastern Star P.H.A. She served on the five points of the stars and further served as secretary for twenty one years.

Gladys was known to her loved ones as a fearless leader. Her strong drive, determination and zest for life influenced many. She was the "big sister" to her siblings where she encouraged them to succeed in life. She became the sounding board for them to call when they needed advice. She was always open, honest and candid.

At family gatherings she always assumed a leadership role; she was the moderator, motivator, negotiator and disciplinarian. She had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. She always said that "a family that laughs together; loves together; stays together" and her family laughed a lot! Her home was always open to everyone; nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors, home is where everyone felt welcomed!

Gladys was a strong caring soul that fought for what she believed in. She fought for everything and anyone that she felt had been wronged in any way. A very unique lady that many would say was not only brave, but the most genuine person to befriend. Her outgoing personality and compassionate heart influenced her tendency to reach out to others.

Gladys leaves to cherish her life and memories 3 daughters – Redonna Carpenter-Woods (Derek); Thousand Oaks, CA; Kimberly Bizzell – Palmdale, CA; Kia Nichole Sanders (granddaughter; raised as her daughter), Red Bird, Oklahoma; 3 sons, Gerald Carpenter(Tyrra), Red Bird, Oklahoma; Corey Chatman (Tawny), Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Christopher Chatman (Stephanie), Coweta, Oklahoma. 4 sisters, Bobbie Jo Dansberry, Red Bird, Oklahoma; Glodene Reynolds, McKinney, Texas; Sharon Carter, Irving, Texas; Wanda Astwood (Ronald), Corpus Christie, Texas. 4 brothers, Arthur (Willette), Glen Burnie, Maryland; George W. Reynolds, III (Charlene), Las Vegas, Nevada; Michael G. Reynolds, Las Vegas, Nevada; Kelvin Reynolds (Valerie), Muskogee, Oklahoma. 6 Granddaughters, 4 Grandsons; 9 Great Grand Children, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A special thanks to her neighbors, Greg and Jan Scarborough for the loving care and help you provided for our mother!

Ms. Gladys Ophelia [ Reynolds ] Bizzell, after 71 years, "boarded the Old Ship of Zion" on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Hour of Celebration will commence on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 10:00 AM in the First Baptist Church of Redbird. Reverend William T. Janey, Pastor, will officiate.

You may visit Gladys, as she slumbers at the funeral home in Muskogee on Monday from 12 Noon until 6 PM. The Order of Eastern Star will conduct their Memorial Ritual beginning at 7:00 PM in the Chapel.