Gladys Lucille Heath

Gladys Lucille Heath SMITHFIELD - Gladys Lucille Heath, 84, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2009, at Riverside Convalescent Center. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Jake Fickle and wife Helen, Glen Fickle; sister, Margaret "Micky" Stafford and husband Jim; special uncle, Otho Jackson; and her grandson, Steven L. Brenwalt. Born Jan. 31, 1925, in Hot Springs, Ark., she was the daughter of the late Herman Fickle and Mable Jackson Fickle. She was an active and dedicated member of Faith Baptist Church for more than 40 years. Gladys is survived by her loving family including her daughters, Jo Anna Bates of North Carolina, Brenda Zdenek of Indiana, Betty H. Johnson and husband Curtiss; son, James "Jimmy" C. Heath Jr., all of Carrollton; sister-in-law, Thelma Fickle of Arkansas; grandchildren, Michelle Phillips and husband Robbie, Shayna Pittman and husband Charlie, Ryan Heath, Douglas Bates and wife Susan, Ken Bates and wife Leah, Pam Staples and husband Kevin, Brenda Summer, Michael Zdenek and wife Midge, Karl Zdenek; and 14 great-grandchildren. The family would like to express their thanks to the staff and nurses at Riverside Convalescent Center, Smithfield, for the exceptional care and compassion provided to Gladys and her family. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 18, at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, 4569 Shoulders Hill Road, Suffolk, by the Rev. Benn Fleming. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. today at Baker-Foster Funeral Home, Bennett's Creek Chapel, 5685 Lee Farm Lane, Suffolk. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 6350 Center Drive, Suite 102, Norfolk, VA 23502. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.