Gladys Irene Clayton Melvin

Gladys Melvin died on 4 January 2025 surrounded by family and loved ones. Gladys was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 70 years, Colon Franklin Melvin, her father Thomas Alfred Clayton and mother Gladys Dowler Clayton. She was also pre-deceased by her sisters Lillian Barratt, Gwendolyn Willis and Cynthia Walker.

Gladys is survived by her children Darrel Melvin (Becky), Deborah Melvin (Gary), Pamela Bahm (Jim) and Patricia Robinson (Jerry). Gladys leaves behind her grandchildren Colon Melvin (Cassia), Brandi Venema (Peter), Megan Powell (Grayson), Lauren Horne (Kevin), Daulton Bahm and Quinton Bahm. She also leaves behind her great grandchildren Marlee Robinson, Macelyn Robinson, Gunner Powell, Grace Horne, and Faith Horne.

Gladys is also survived by many nieces and nephews in the US and England, as well as her sister-in-laws Sarah Melvin, Janice Edwards (Alton) and Jo Blackburn

Gladys was born in Cheltenham, England on 4 January 1934 to Thomas Alfred and Gladys Jane Dowler Clayton. When she was only 4 months old, her father passed away, leaving Gladys’ mom to raise her and her three older sisters Lillian, Gwen and Cynthia on her own. Gladys grew up during WW2, where rationed food, blackout curtains, no streetlights and bomb raids were a way of life. She and her schoolmates wore a gas mask on their belt every day to school, a reminder of the ever-present dangers of war. Gladys’ home and street were bombed by the Nazis, resulting in the deaths of neighbors and friends. Gladys and her family survived those dark days of war, due mainly to the tenacity and determination of her mother, qualities that Gladys inherited. Gladys excelled at school sports, was the captain of her school’s field hockey team and swam for the town of Cheltenham. Gladys was such a skilled swimmer that her coach wanted her to try out for the Olympics, however life was about to take a different turn.

In that post-war era, when food was still rationed and streets in England were still in rubble, Gladys completed her degree at the Technical College in Cheltenham and began working. Gladys and her friends would go to weekly dances for young people in Cheltenham. It was there on 10 March 1951, that she met her future husband of 70 years, Frankie Melvin, a US Army soldier stationed nearby. To escape the unwanted attention of another American GI, Gladys spotted Frankie and asked if she could stand beside him so the other GI would leave her alone. Frankie gladly obliged. Frankie said the moment he met her, he knew he wanted to marry her. By November of 1951, Frankie wrote to his parents that he wanted to marry Gladys as soon as possible. On 14 June 1952, Gladys and Frank were married at Salem Baptist Church in Cheltenham, honeymooning in Cornwall.

After the birth of their first child, Darrel, Frankie and Gladys moved to Frankie’s hometown of Clarkton—a stark change from her hometown and native country. Despite the unfamiliar weather, customs and culture, Gladys displayed the determination inherited from her mom and made a life for her family, which grew to include Deborah, Pam and Tricia. Her steadfast love for her children gave them all the security a child needs, enabling all of them to take very different directions in life to follow those dreams.

Gladys was known by her family as an incredible cook and baker who could also knit or sew anything her daughters could possibly want. She was always there to provide a shoulder when needed or to listen and give solid advice and encouragement. Gladys also made sure her children were closely connected to their English roots, visiting her beloved family in the UK frequently for long summer holidays. Gladys could be playful; some of her children’s fondest memories are of the entire family going for a bike ride, playing volleyball or croquet.

Gladys was then blessed with grandchildren, whom she adored. Colon, Brandi, Megan, Lauren, Daulton and Quinn meant the world to Gladys. She loved visits with her grandchildren, meals, Thanksgiving bonfires, Christmas and traveling to the UK as well as Nashville, Boston and the mountains with them. Gladys also delighted in her great grandchildren Marlee, Macelyn, Gunner, Grace and Faith. Gladys loved her in-laws, nieces and nephews on both sides of the Atlantic, with a special thanks to Becky Brown for visiting Gladys daily and bringing her mail. During her illness, Gladys appreciated visits from her sister-in-law, Sarah, one of her first friends in the US. Gladys was also blessed with wonderful neighbors George and Barbara Thompson, who became more like family.

Gladys’ last years were saddened by the loss of her loving husband Frankie, just 2 weeks after their 70th anniversary. She then fought the aftermath of a Covid infection with determination for 12 months, with care provided by Deborah, Pam and Tricia. Those days were difficult for Gladys, but a treasure for her daughters as they spent valuable time with Gladys, reminiscing about the past and discussing life in general, time that will forever be precious to her daughters. She was cared for with love and tenderness by her CNA, Ali Norris, whom Gladys grew to love. Rosemary Bengtson was very instrumental in Gladys’ care, assuring she was always well looked after and helping educate her daughters on care, all while being compassionate, loving and reassuring to Gladys. Gladys and the family were blessed with the love and assistance of Ali and Rosemary.

To say Gladys will be missed will be an understatement, as she takes part of her children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s hearts with her. However, Gladys is now with Frankie again, as well as her loving family, and most importantly, in the arms of Jesus without pain, which gives the family comfort.

Visitation and viewing will held at Clarkton Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, 8 January from 12:30 pm til 1:30 pm. Services to celebrate the life of Gladys follow at 2 pm.  Burial will follow the service at Clarkton Cemetery.