Gladys S. Williams

Today, we lovingly celebrate the life and homegoing of Gladys Williams, affectionately known as “Baby-Sis,” a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. Gladys was born on October 2, 1951, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Barrett and Charlotte Cross. Gladys Williams graduated from Booker T Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Barrett Cross Jr., and her beloved husband, Rufus Williams.

After faithfully enduring the trials of this life, Gladys entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Gladys was a hardworking woman who deeply loved her family and friends. She found joy in cooking, arts and crafts, watching her favorite crime television programs, singing, dancing to oldies but goodies, and, most of all, spending quality time with those she loved. She was a woman of strong faith who loved the Lord with her whole heart and lived a life that reflected that devotion.
In her final days, Gladys expressed her readiness to accept what the Lord had prepared for her. Through pain and suffering, she remained steadfast in faith and peacefully accepted her heavenly reward.
Gladys leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Lateshea Walter (Owen), and her son, William H. Smith Jr., both of Norfolk; her sister, Charlotte Williams of Norfolk; her brothers, Johnny Cross of Virginia Beach and James Cross of Chesapeake; five grandchildren—Damian Jiggetts, Dania Jiggetts, Zymoni Walter, Shakeela Wilson, and Trinard Lankford-Smith; six great-grandchildren; one great-nephew; one niece, Inez Robinson; one nephew, Lafonso Williams; and a host of cousins and friends.
If Gladys could speak to us today, she would lovingly say:
“I know you will miss me, but do not weep. I am healed, delivered, and set free. I am at peace with my Father which art in heaven.”

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