Gladys M. Battles, born on October 12, 1955 to the late Deacon Ulysses and Mother Royale Battle, peacefully slipped away into eternal rest on November 20, 2025, in Crawfordville, Florida.

After a courageous battle with earthly sickness, the Lord who had walked with her all her days gently called her home.

Rooted in a strong foundation of faith, Gladys spent most of her life in Stewart, Florida, where her quiet spirit and steadfast love for God first bloomed. In the 1990s, her journey led her to Jackson County, a place where her faith continued to deepen and her praise continued to rise.

Upon her return, she united in fellowship with Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dwight Cockerham, Sr. Gladys carried a calm and gentle presence, soft in voice, humble in heart, yet mighty in her devotion. She was always tuned to Jesus. She sang, she worshiped, and she praised, lifting her voice with sincerity and love for the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and two sisters, Christina Anderson and Virginia Battles.

Left to cherish her memory are two brothers, LaShon J. Gilbert of Port St. Lucie, Florida, and Cornelius Battles and his wife, Melissa, of Grand Ridge, Florida. Gladys is also survived by her uncles, Herbert C. Battles of Blountstown, Florida, and Bradley Battles of Port St. Lucie, Florida; aunts, Mary Hearn of Greenwood, Florida, Sylone Robinson of Grand Ridge, Florida, and Emma Mae Smith of Fort Meade, Florida; along with a special aunt, Mary H. Smith of Grand Ridge, Florida. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends who will forever remember her gentle presence, her unwavering faith, and the quiet strength that defined her life.

Though she has departed from this earthly place, her light remains, shining in the hearts of those who loved her. A life lived close to God never fades, but continues on in eternal glory.