Gladys Virginia Smallwood

Gladys Virginia Smallwood, 97, of New Market, Virginia, left us on November 14, 2025 to spend eternity in her heavenly home with her Lord and Savior and loved ones who went before her. We celebrate the reunification with the love of her life, her husband, Edward Smallwood, Sr., who passed on July 15, 1988. They were married on May 29, 1955 in Dillon, South Carolina. Gladys and Gene began their courtship on October 31, 1947.
Gladys was born in Round Hill, Virginia on August 27, 1928 to Robert Roy Longerbeam and Sarah Catherine Tumblin Longerbeam. Predeceased by her husband, parents, son, Thomas Eric Smallwood and great-grandson, Corey Nauheimer, Gladys was the last member of her generation surviving all of her cousins and her four brothers, Leonard Longerbeam, Robert Longerbeam, William Longerbeam, and Gilbert Longerbeam.
Despite having to leave school to take care of her siblings so her mother could help on the family dairy farm, Gladys worked her way up into management. She was the family caregiver taking care of her father and four siblings in their last days and an aunt for ten years. She loved to crotchet and made blankets for nearly all her family and many of their friends, especially those welcoming a new baby. Her talent was recognized several times in winning blue ribbons at the local fair. Still most rave about her ability to put a feast that could have fed an army on the table while others admire her Christmas tree decorating. Her greatest love was her family.
Gladys is survived by sons Robert Rawlings, Redgie Smallwood (Jeanette), Stanley Smallwood (Cheri), Randy Smallwood, Edward Smallwood Jr. (Tina), and Jackie Smallwood; daughters Sandie Fletcher, Dorothy Lam (Carroll), and adopted granddaughter Virginia Mobley (Neal). Grandchildren Sheila Kirkland, James Henry Jr., Elizabeth Smiley, Redgie E E Smallwood, Heather Warrick, Edward Smallwood III, Karla Doolan, Sarah Rawlings, Ashley Boteler, with whom she lived for 10 years, Dylan Smallwood, Melissa Painter, and Trey Lam. Great-grandchildren Cheyenne Ascue, Brandon Monahan, Dalton Gray, Brett Smiley, Madison and Bryce Smallwood, Sarah Kirkland, Hunter, Tyler and Aislinn Doolan, Colton, Caroline, and Chloe Smallwood, Clark and Charlotte Mobley, Brooklyn and Santana Thomas, Olivia, Joshua, Justin, and Emma Gatchell, Blakely Boteler, Lawson and Ryatt Painter. Great-great grandchildren Eric Nauheimer, Asher Ascue, Beau Smiley and AnnaBelle. Step-grandchildren Melissa Fincham, Natasha Eid, and Ethan Lam. Step-great-grandchild AnnaGrace Boteler. Several nieces and nephews including Pamela Devine, Kristi Polantz, Lisa Thompson, and David Smallwood.
Pallbearers will be Edward Smallwood Jr., Trey Lam, Joshua Gatchell, Justin Gatchell, Heath Painter, Bernie Boteler and Edward Smallwood, III.
Services will be Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 1:00 pm with viewing at noon at Hall Funeral Home, Purcellville, Virginia. Interment will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in Bloomfield.