Gladys M. Smith was born August 2, 1950, to the late Ms. Olivia Matthews and Horton Rice.  She ascended July 7, 2024, at her home in Rockford Illinois.  Gladys accepted Christ as her personal savior early in life and lived her life as a devout Christian and spiritual warrior.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories, her husband of fifty-five years; Bishop Ulysses Smith, three sons, Tyrone, Timothy, and Travis, three daughters in love; Latrice (Tyrone), Stephanie (Timothy) and Pamela (Travis), eight grandchildren, Tyrone Jr., Myah, Trevian (Tyrone), Nyla (Timothy), Jaylynn and Camiron (Travis); grandchild Tahirah (Tyrone) preceded her in death.

She was preceded by her four brothers, James Matthews, Joe Matthews, Larry Matthews, and Ollie Matthews; and her two sisters, Gladys Jefferson, and Laura Hereford.  Her brother Robert Matthews currently lives in Harvest, Alabama.

Gladys's passions included servicing the community through her food pantry, volunteerism with local law enforcement agencies, and faith-based leadership within several groups and ministries.

She genuinely enjoyed the love and adoration of being the family "Matriarch" in her final years.  She often talked about and looked forward to the annual family reunions.  Her family in Huntsville made her feel loved, supported, and regal.

Private services will be held.