Gladys Lucille Menzies

Gladys Lucille Smith Menzies was born February 4, 1953, in Nashville, Tennessee. She was nurtured and lovingly reared by her parents, James and Hattie Elder Smith. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by brothers, Edward Coleman Smith and Charles Bentley Smith.

Gladys departed this sweet life on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Gladys attended Metropolitan Public Schools graduating from Pearl High in 1971. While at Pearl High she was a member of the Pearl High Marching Band, Concert Band and the Tennis Team.

She continued her education and attended Tennessee State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1975 in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She continued her education and attended Trevecca Nazarene College where she received a master’s degree in administration and Supervision in 1987.

 Gladys was employed by the Maury County Board of Education for eight years and Metro Board of Education for twenty-six years. She was dedicated to teaching students. Her years of service with Metro included MNEA Representative, member of the Faculty Advisory Committee and team leader of the related arts dept. Gladys was Teacher of the Years in 1993 and 2006. She also coached Volleyball at Dupont Tyler Middle School.

Gladys confessed her hope and faith in Christ at an early age at Gordon United Methodist Church. She later joined Salem AME Church where she served as the Superintendent of Sunday School, Stewart, Sponsor of the UPD (Young People’s Department) and coordinator for the Acolytes. Gladys returned home to Gordon United Methodist Church and was a member until her death. While there she was a member of the United Methodist Women Hands of Hope and Best Year’s Club.

Gladys was united in holy matrimony to Sammie Menzies, Jr., her loving and devoted husband for 42 years. Their loving devotion to each other is reflected through the birth of three sons. Tron (Sharon) Menzies, Darryl (Nacota) Menzies, and Derrick Menzies, sisters, Barbara Colbert, Toledo, Ohio, Gwen (Albert) Sales, Nashville, Tn., sisters-in-law, Elease (Floyd) Waller, nephew, Trevolle Colbert, niece, Tiffanie Fletcher, great nieces, grandchildren, Darryl, Jr., Derrick, Jr., Tron Jr., Daylan, A’Kira, A’mira, La’darius, Tayvion, Trenton, devoted friend, Patricia Hodges-Able other relatives and friends.