Gladys Mae Velez

Obituary for Gladys Mae Velez Gladys Mae Velez passed away peacefully on December 8, 2023, at Memorial Hospital in Tennessee, with her family at her side. She was born on September 10, 1951, in Greenville, Alabama to the late Jim and Mary Lee Williams Fanning. Gladys graduated from Southside High school in her hometown in 1969 and stayed closely connected to her network of friends. After graduating, she moved to Stamford, CT, to be close to her Peterson family and had her first son. Later, she met the love of her life, and had another daughter and son. General Electric Capital was her last employer before moving to Tennessee for 14 years. Gladys was a faithful servant of the Lord and active member of Greater Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church. During her tenure, she served as a Deaconess, Sunday school teacher, Voices of Joy Choir advisor, and was a Black Heritage Choir member, to name a few. In her pastime, she enjoyed cooking and baking (sweet potato pie was her favorite), hosting events, shopping for shoes and hats, and being a devoted wife and mother. In her later years she gained a great sense of humor and would tell you like it is. Her legacy of love will be treasured by her husband of 44 years , David E. Velez; her daughter, Tiffany Velez Rodgers; two sons, Travis Fanning and Marcus Velez; two grandsons, Brennan Ridley and Richard ‘RJ” Rodgers, Jr.; her sister, Geanetta Fanning; her brother, Jimmy Fanning (Frances); sister-in-law who she was very close to, Rose Velez-Smith; her goddaughter, Taylar Hill; her beloved family, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Gladys was also predeceased by her brother, Julian Fanning. Gladys’ favorite saying was “Be Encouraged.” She shared it with everyone she encountered. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 10:00 – 11:00 am, followed by a service of celebration at 11:00 am at Greater Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church, 27 Baxter Avenue, Stamford, CT, Interim Pastor Rev. Winton Hill, III and Rev. Johnny C. Bush, eulogist. Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien, CT. Live streaming will be shared via Graves Medley Funeral Services – Facebook account starting @ 10:45 am.

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Gladys Mae Velez

September 10, 1951 - December 8, 2023