Gladys Mozell Waters Square

Services for Mrs. Gladys Mozell Waters Square, of Tyler are scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2017 1:00 PM at Marvin United Methodist Church with Rev. Jaime Capers officiating and Rev. Orenthia Mason eulogist. Interment will be held in Evergreen Memorial Park under the direction of Brooks Sterling & Garrett Funeral Directors.

Gladys Square was born June 23, 1924 in the New Home Community, six miles west of Gladewater, Texas. From an humble beginning, having lost her mother at the age of seven, she learned from a proud father, a Military Police Veteran and dedicated, supportive relatives who had a sense of commitment to the community, education of children and dedication to the church.

She was an honor graduate of Weldon High School in Gladewater. She came to Tyler to attend Texas College in 1942 and later obtained a Masters Degree from Texas Southern University Houston, Texas. With her she brought the determination to succeed, the pride of her ancestors and the desire to give to others. After graduation she made Tyler her home and decided to become a teacher, spending her first four years in Waters Bluff and Galilee Schools. The next 33 years she spent in the Tyler Independent School System as an elementary teacher at W.A. Pete Elementary. Her drive and compassion made a difference in the lives of her students. In 1991, she was presented the Peete School Teacher Award of Excellence. A scholarship is given to the Highest Achieving Third Grade Student there in her name annually.

After a brief retirement from the classroom, Gladys could not sit still. Her desire to give and make a difference sent her to City Hall. In 1989, Gladys became the First Female member of Tyler City Council. For three consecutive terms, she did indeed make a difference. She used her unique style, charm and professionalism to forge new ground foever. Not only did she gain the respect of her peers, but all quite possible changed the thinking of City Hall forever.

During her tenure, Woldert Park was reopened, other parks were improved, North Broadway Avenue was extended, a Community Outreach Storefront was opened, the 1/2 cents sales tax was approved, a new Rose Garden Center was constructed and major improvements were made to Tyler's Pound Field Airport. Gladys was also honored by her peers on the City Council when they elected her Mayor Pro-Tem. Making her the first female to serve in that position.

Her civic affiliations include the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, The Golden Circle-Wardi Consistory, Heriones of Jericho, Life Membership in the P.T.A., A Charter Life Member of the North Tyler Chamber of Commerce, an active Member and Supporter of Texas College Alumni Association and Life Memberships in numerous Professional and Educational Organizations. In addition, she was honored as "The Senior Citizen of the Year" at the 2006 Smith County Fair. She was an active member of Miles Chapel C.M.E. Church.

In addition to her many affiliations, a career and commitments, Gladys also found time to be a wonderful wife and mother. She was proud of her three children, Roland Square, Susie Square and Larry Square.

Others left to cherish her memory are, daughter-in-law Helen Square and Janice Waters Butler, a niece who was raised by Mrs. Square and husband Ernest Square of 32 years. She was the proud grandmother of eight and great grandmother of six. A woman who dared to make a difference with the courage and commitment we all admire, appreciate and respect.

Public viewing at Miles Chapel C.M.E. Church, 1922 North Palace, 4:00-8:00 PM. on Friday; Memorial service conducted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 6:00-6:30 PM. Also viewing at Marvin United Methodist on Saturday 12:00-1:00PM.