Gladys Mae Gaines Falana was born on October 23, 1917, to the late Vanester “Van” Gaines and Eliza Bell Davis in Blitchton, Florida. She was the oldest of seven children born to Van and Eliza, who all preceded her in death: Edmona, Ida Mae, William, Mary Lois, Franklin, and Leatha.

Gladys married to Lucius Charles “LC” Falana in 1937. They started their family and made their home in the Flemington community of Marion County, Florida. Looking for better opportunities, LC and Gladys moved to Pinellas County in the late 1950s and finally to the Ridgecrest community in 1960. They were married for 65 years until his death in December 2002.

Known as “Ma” to most in the community, she was active in her church and community. She was a faithful member of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir, among other activities. She loved to play the piano, sew, and cook. She was mainly known for cooking homemade biscuits, cakes, and pies. Her legacy of cooking lives on in her children and grands, many of whom are passionate cooks and connoisseurs of good food. The City of Largo once recognized her cooking skills in a proclamation to honor her 103rd Birthday.

Gladys valued family and was very much involved in their lives. Wherever there was a need, she met it, from taking in and nursing elderly family members to raising grandchildren. She was always there, willing to do whatever was necessary. Having played softball as a young girl, Gladys was an avid sports fan. Her favorite team was the Golden State Warriors. She had a sharp mind for team statistics and game strategy and could be seen actively critiquing the games most nights.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Lucius, children, Lucius Jr., & Shirley Bellamy Sears. Five grandchildren, Maurice Pendleton, Shara Lynn Ponder, Otis Bellamy, Dwayne Cross, and Wayne Falana, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memories…

Sons: Lawrence M. Falana, Sr. of Newark, NJ, Kenneth A. Falana, Sr. of Tallahassee, FL, Major Roland W. Falana, USMC, Ret. (Barbara) of Wake Forest, NC, Rudolph D. (Connie) of Waynesboro, Georgia, Leonard “Darrell” (Kimberly) Falana of St. Petersburg, FL, and Wayne Falana of Largo, FL.

Daughters: Doris Bostick of Largo, Florida, Yvonne R. (Johnny) Smith of Largo, FL, Yvette R. Pendleton of Clearwater, FL, Linda C. (Rick) Hartsfield of Largo, FL, Bonita O. (Austin) of Ocala, FL, Shirley A. Garrion of Pembroke, Fl, Carleather M. (Simon) Ponder of Silver Spring, MD, Rayshall Poinsette of Largo, FL, and Pearl Claybrooks of Louisville, KY.

Grandchildren: Kenton Falana, Michael Falana, Lawrence Milton Falana, Jacqueline Falana, Jill Falana, Tanisha Falana, William Perry, Kathleen Falana, Kenneth Falana, Jr., Theresea Ransome, Tonja Ferguson, Shawn Latta, Brian Bostick, Shawanda Floyd, Brett Bostick, Angela Fites, Althea Henry, Dwight Cross, Reginald Pendleton, Michael Smith, Craig Smith, Keith Smith, Joi Falana, Roland D. Falana, Kamesha Franklin, LaKisha Lawson, Rudolph Falana, II, Jessica Lewis, Jaelyn Falana, Ayandra Kelly, Ronald Murray, Constance Rothwell, Austin W. Long, Jr., Antwane Long, Dectrick Fowler, Brittany Sims, LaNitra S. Ponder, Sean L. Ponder, Shamekia Falana, Sa'de Falana, Mechelle Falana, Shawn Falana, Elaine Jackson, Curtis Bellamy, and Herman Bellamy.

109 great-grandchildren,74 great-great grandchildren a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing neighbors and friends.

Public Viewing: Friday, July 19, 2024, 5-7 PM at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church 13255 118th St N, Largo, FL 33770

Home Going Celebration: Saturday, July 20, 2024, 11:00 AM at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church 13255 118th St N, Largo, FL 33770

Services Entrusted to Smith-Young's Funeral Home & Cremations Services, 1005 Howard St., Clearwater, FL 33756