Funeral services for Mrs. Frances Swift Gladish of Fayetteville, TN, will be conducted Thursday at 11:00 am at Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Van Johnson officiating. Mrs. Gladish passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, December 29, 2013. She was born in Bumpus Mills, TN to William Thomas and Vida Knott Swift.
As a young girl, Frances lost her own Mother at the age of 4. She was the oldest of 4 children and was raised with one brother in Bumpus Mills, TN. Her twin brothers were split between families at birth, one raised in Michigan, the second in Bumpus Mills. Growing up on a farm, she knew what hard work was and always did her best.
During her teens and as she became a young lady, Frances’ interests began to develop in the field of business. She attended Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN with a concentration in business. After college, she held several jobs as bookkeeper for large companies and banks.
Frances met her husband, Darrell, in Columbia, TN at Mrs. Henley’s Boarding House. They were married on September 29, 1951 in Nashville, TN. After marriage, they resided in Murfreesboro, TN for several years and were blessed with their son, Steve and two years later their oldest daughter, Sharon.
Seattle Washington became their home for seven years where friends welcomed them. They were blessed again with 2 more daughters, Sandy followed by Vickie. She loved the beauty of Seattle, but always felt a longing for the South.
In 1964, Frances, Darrell and family made their home in Fayetteville, TN. Frances became a Welcome Wagon hostess and her Southern grace, smile and personality welcomed many a newcomer to Fayetteville. She loved meeting new people and always had a desire to help someone in need. Also, during her years in Fayetteville, many knew here as the “Country Cobbler Shoes Lady.” The shoe store was a fun, fulfilling job and gave her great pleasure.
Frances was a member of First Baptist Church of Fayetteville, TN, and a member of the Faith Sunday School Class. She loved her church, Sunday school class, Pastors, and the entire church family.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Darrell Gladish, and her brother, Wilson (Ann) Swift. She is survived by brothers, Bruce (Margie) Swift of Nashville, TN, and William (Margaret) Swift of Bumpus Mills, TN, son, Steve Gladish of Fayetteville, TN, daughters Sharon (Sky) Redpath of Dellrose, TN, Sandy (Greg) Davis of Brentwood, TN, and Vickie Larscheid of Naples, FL, 9 Grandchildren and 10 Great grandchildren. She lived a wonderful life and will be missed by all who were fortunate to have known her.
Visitation with the family will be Wednesday evening from 5 until 8 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home.
Mrs. Frances was such a delightful Christian lady. I missed seeing her at church when she was unable to attend. She and Mr. Darrel were a wonderful Christian couple. May God be with you in the difficult days ahead. Because He Lives, Amy . Osteen
Your Mom was a sweet that was loved by many.. May God give you peace at this time.. Joyce and I both have the stomach flu so we can not be with you in person but we send prayers asking God comfort each of each… God Bless
Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world;
In the Name of God the Father Almighty who created you;
In the Name of Jesus Christ who redeemed you;
In the Name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you.
May your rest be this day in peace,
and your dwelling place in the Paradise of God.
May God’s Peace surround you, Steve, Sharon, Sandy and Vickie and your beautiful families.
I am saddened to hear of Miss Frances’ death. She was a very good friend of my Mother, Mary Frances Stewart. They played bridge together in
Fayetteville and also in Naples. She will be greatly missed. I apologize that I am unable to attend the funeral. Please know that all of you are in my prayers.
I knew Mrs. Gladish through the First Baptist Church in Fayetteville. She was always especially nice to me. A very sweet and caring lady.
Dear Gladish family our hearts are broken for you over the loss of your sweet and dear mother , grandmother and friend. You are all dear to my heart knowing you so many years ago. I will be unable to attend, as U amn recovering from pneumonia but my prayers and thoughts will be with you as you go through this difficult time. Please know we care deeply.
God Bless,
Floyd and Imogene Hoots Cartwright
I am so sorry for your loss. I can remember when I was very young and my mom was friends with Mrs. Gladish. Most of all, I remember the peanut brittle she always brought to us! Praying for comfort for you all.
If my sorrow could only be expressed, just knowing the profound loss each of you are bearing. May it comfort you to know that others care.
Frances was my “Welcome Wagon” lady in July of 1971 when I first moved to Fayetteville. Later she and I worked together in the office of Big K to get the store opened in February of 1973. She was an incredibly fine lady with whom to work–always seeing the best in any person and in any situation. She had lived in my home town before she got married and often asked me about families we both knew. She loved her own family and allowed me to sew some for her girls–good times, good memories. I know her family and all those she knew will miss her. Heaven just became a little brighter with her smile!