Gladys Lee Jones

Gladys Lee Jones, 87, went to be with the Lord on Christmas Eve 2014, with her loving family by her side.

Born July 17, 1927, in Martinsburg, she was the daughter of the late Charles Lewis and Donnie Lee Hess Lewis.

Gladys graduated from Martinsburg High School in 1944. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in physical education from Shepherd College in 1948. During her 43-year teaching career in Berkeley County, Gladys taught at John Street Elementary School and Rosemont Elementary, where she developed many friendships with her colleagues, students, and families.

Gladys was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she shared her passion for music by singing in the choir. She demonstrated her love for learning through active participation in Alpha Sigma Tau, American Association of University Women (AAUW), the Travelers Club, and as a volunteer guide at the Adam Stephen Historical Society. She received the Teacher ACE award and was a finalist for Teacher of the Year in 1985 and 1986.

Gladys loved to travel with her friends and family members, and was especially fond of the beach in Emerald Isle, North Carolina.

She enjoyed trips to several beaches to visit lighthouses, whale watch, and search for shells. Most importantly, Gladys loved vacationing and spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. One of her greatest gifts was writing poetry, and she had several published in poetry books, and more importantly in each greeting card that she sent.

Gladys is survived by her three daughters, Judith Martz and husband, Jim, of Boonsboro, Maryland, Karen Palmer of Hagerstown, Maryland, and Cheryl Burke of Martinsburg. Bob Burke has also been a devoted and trusted friend to Gladys over the years. She is survived by seven grandchildren: Travis Jones, Stacy Ditto, Erin Martz, Brianne Semler, Sean Palmer, Christian Palmer, and Brendan Palmer. She is “Mimi” to four great-grandchildren: Landen Semler, Sierra and Connor Ditto, and Makenzie Brown. She is also survived by one brother, Otho Lewis of Arden; and one sister, Geneva O’Bannon of Winchester, Virginia.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold and Charles Lewis; and four sisters, Inez Lewis, Teresa Davis, Ethel Thurston and Evelyn Reid.

A Celebration of Life service was held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Ronald A. Kreiensieck officiating. Interment was in Pleasant View Memory Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 101 West Martin Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401; or to the Humane Society of Berkeley County, 554 Charles Town Road, Martinsburg, WV 25401.

Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com.