In loving memory of Gladys Black, who graced this world with her presence on February 23,
1943 and peacefully departed on January 12, 2024. She was a cherished mother, sister,
grandmother, and a remarkable woman whose life touched the hearts of those around her.
Gladys Black was a pillar of strength, a beacon of love, and a source of unwavering support for
her family.

As a wife, she shared a deep and enduring love with Ronald Black, creating a bond that weathered the tests of time. Together, they built a life full of cherished moments, laughter, and shared dreams. In addition to her role as a dedicated family woman, Gladys was a source of
inspiration to those fortunate enough to know her. Her kindness, resilience, and genuine compassion touched the lives of many. Her legacy is a testament to a life well-lived, characterized by love, generosity, and a deep commitment to family. She is responsible for countless traditions and culinary masterpieces that are still enjoyed by the Brown family and will be for generations to come. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Black; mother, Flora Brown; grandmother, Catherine Mims; grandfather, Johnnie Mims. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, and aunt. A woman of many talents, Gladys was always a hard worker. She graduated from Middleton High School in 1962. She led a life filled with love, compassion, and dedication. As a certified nursing assistant, she devoted herself to caring for others, bringing comfort and solace to those in need. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her professional life into her role as a beloved sister, aunt, mother, and grandmother. She also spent time behind the bar at Rogers Golf Course where she created a welcoming atmosphere for patrons with her warmth and friendly demeanor. Her skills as a bartender went beyond mixing drinks; she had a knack for making everyone feel at home. She also worked as a home health care nurse and played a vital role in the lives of the Castellanos family. Her caring nature and wisdom left a lasting impression on the children she cared for, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come. Gladys is survived by her four children, Wanda Thomas, Carol Thomas, Timothy Thomas, and
Catherine Black-McCray; grandchildren, Tyonna Manns, Myashia Thomas, Katrelle Manns- David (Shawn), Justus Smith, Maurico Brascom, Jacinda Lynn, Devonte West, Timothy Ron Stewart (Sophie); brothers, Johnnie Brown and Michael Brown (Iona); sisters, Gloria Brown and Catherine Crosby (Dennis); nieces, Kathy Davis, Mia Brown, Ayanna Brown (Keith), Andrea Richardson, Erin Crosby, Nibia Anderson (Tyrone); nephews, Kerence Brown (Terri), Quentin Halliburton (Stephanie), Behren Brown, Chico Brown, Michael Brown, and Dennis Crosby;
special friends, the Holt and Castellano Families, staff of Phyllis Busansky Adult Day Care; best friend, Alma Cason; along with a host of great grandchildren, cousins and other extended family and friends. May Gladys rest in eternal peace, and may her memory continue to bring comfort, laughter and inspiration to those who were fortunate enough to know her.


I KNOW YOU MISS ME BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER.."I LOVE U STILL" Gladys

Visitation
Thursday, January 25, 2024
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Aikens Funeral Home
2708 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Tampa, FL 33610

Funeral Service
Friday, January 26, 2024
1:00 PM
Greater Mt. Carmel AME Church
4209 N. 34th St.
Tampa, FL 33610