Gladys Cordray

Gladys W. Cordray PORTSMOUTH - Gladys Williamson Cordray, born Oct. 19, 1933, passed away Dec. 8, 2009, after an extended illness. She was predeceased by her husband of 30 years, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Douglas R. Cordray, MC; her parents, Virginia H. and Louis A. Williamson Sr.; and brother, Louis Williamson Jr. She is survived by her four children, Ronald H. Estey III, Donald L. Cordray, Laura E. Cordray, all of Portsmouth, and Karen E. Estey and son-in-law Craig A. Colombo of Columbia, N.C.; three grandsons, Mark A. Cordray, Noah C. Estey and Carson F. Colombo; a brother and sister-in-law, Richard L. and Margaret Williamson of Suffolk; a sister and brother-in- law, Beulah W. and Gerald Priest of Chesapeake; a sister, Nancy W. Myers of Harpers Ferry, W.Va.; eight nieces and five nephews. Born in Lynchburg, Va., she was a lifelong resident of Portsmouth. She was employed at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital from 1957 to 1976 and was active in the Officers' Wives Club and the Autism Society of America. She and Doug lovingly shared their passion for the ocean and beach for many wonderful years and enjoyed filling their vacation home in Rodanthe, N.C., with family and friends, good food, fun and laughter. At her request, a private family memorial will be held on Hatteras Island at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Eastern Virginia Medical School, P.O. Box 1980, Norfolk, VA 23501-1980.