Gladys Ray

Gladys Lucile Washington was born on January 26, 1925 the youngest child to Willis Lenoard and Ethel Lee Washington in Houston, Texas. There were five sons and two daughters.
Gladys confessed to Christ at an early age and later became a member of Wayman Chapel AME. She served in multiple roles where she facilitated the spiritual growth of youth teaching Sunday School and became Texas Conference Branch Director of YPD. Later, she became a member of the Trustee Board. She relocated to Madisonville, Texas in 1974 and transferred her membership to Wilson Chapel UMC. She remained a faithful member serving in various leadership roles including Lay Leader and Sunday School Teacher, until it closed. She also visited St. Paul-Greenspoint AME until her health failed.
Gladys received her education within the Houston Independent School District and completed her high school education at Booker T. Washington High School. Following high school, she pursued her studies at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, where she earned her Bachelor's of Arts Degree in August 1960, achieving honors upon graduation. Gladys embarked on a career in education, serving as an educator in the North Forest Independent School District for 15 years. During this time, she dedicated herself to teaching High School English at various institutions, including B.C. Elmore and Forest Brook High School. She then moved on to the Madisonville Consolidated Independent School District, where she spent 17 years as a Homebound Teacher before concluding her career with a focus on Special Education. Gladys had a profound affection for children, making a significant impact on numerous lives throughout her career. She dedicated 32 years to teaching before retiring in 1990. Her dedication to working with students with special needs led to her employment with MHMRA. Even after retiring, Gladys continued to volunteer, contribute to her community, and played a key role in establishing the Madison County Juneteenth Club. Gladys was deeply loved by many, known for her generous spirit and willingness to help those in need. Her former students often expressed gratitude for the positive influence Gladys had on their lives, recognizing that her kindness and love were instrumental in their success.
Gladys met and later married Sterling Maxwell, Jr.. and to this union one son was born, Sterling Tyrone Maxwell whom she loved dearly. Later, Gladys met and married Edgar Lee Ray and gained four more children, Maryland, Jack, James, and Renee whom she loved as her own.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband Edgar Lee Ray; parents, Willis and Ethel Washington; step-children Maryland Ray, Jack "Jackie" Ray, and James Smith; siblings, Sylvester Washington, Maurice Washington, Booker T. Washington, Ted Washington, Doris Washington and Wiley Washington.
Gladys was loved immensely by her family, friends and all of those who were blessed to encounter her presence on this life's journey. She leaves to cherish her memory her son Sterling Tyrone Maxwell; step-daughter Renee Woodard; grandchildren Michael Brown, Zannavia (Charles) Willpitz, Andrea (Keith) Dennis, Sondrea (Jarrod) Brown, Tyrone (Tasha) Maxwell, Courtney Ransom, Travis (AnnMarie) Maxwell, Shawn Maxwell, Michael Jason Ray, Talula Anderson, Kim Evans, Kathy Murray, Brian Maxwell, Glen Morning, Jackie Morning, Cazmyn Ray, Breya Ray, bonus Grandchild Earll Washington; and a host of Great-Grandchildren, Great-Great Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, and God Children.
SPECIAL THANK YOU
We would like to extend a special thank you to those who provided care to our grandmother including Dr. Mustansir Vejlani, Residential Hospice Incorporated Staff namely Alex Nuachukwa, and her Caregiver Nicole McNeal.