Mrs. Gladys Rapley

Adams announces the passing of Mrs. Gladys Miller Rapley, 83, who transitioned on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at Thunderbolt Transitional Care.

Adams announces the viewing of Mrs. Gladys Miller Rapley which will be held 12 PM - 2 PM, Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the funeral home.

Life Reflections

Gladys Miller Rapley was born on December 2, 1935 in Waycross, Georgia to the late Eva Mae Webster and Thomas L. Miller Sr. She was the youngest of three children and the only girl. Gladys eventually grew into a beautiful woman who became the portrait of strength, honesty, humor, and joy.

Growing up, Gladys enjoyed a close relationship with her brothers who were very protective of their little sister. They remained close even after they moved to Florida where they spent the majority of their life.

While living in Miami, FL, Gladys welcomed six children into the world who loved her dearly: Lenarr Hadley, Paulette Hadley, Walter Hadley, Emma Hadley, Roosevelt Hadley, and Tanganyika Dorsett. She was a doting mother who worked as a home health aide for over 30 years to provide for her family. She was a fiercely independent woman who stressed to her children the importance of hard work, education, responsibility, and self-sufficiency.

Gladys was also a woman of faith. She was a member of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Miami, FL for many years. She often cited the Serenity Prayer, hummed gospel and negro spirituals, and believed that God had all of the answers. Towards the end of her life, she began to study the teachings of the Jehovah's Witness faith.
In her later years, she loved to travel, especially cruising around the world. When not cruising and traveling, she most enjoyed watching Westerns, CNN, and her favorite soap operas, as well as spending time with her grandchildren who made her very proud. She loved gardening, particularly growing tomatoes and tending to her flowers. Through her gardening, she found relaxation and the opportunity to continue nurturing - something she did all her life. She was caring, funny, creative, and lived life to the fullest.

Gladys M. Rapley was called to her eternal home on August 29, 2021 at the age of 85.

She is predeceased by Thomas L. Miller Sr., Eva Miller, Emma Hadley, Roosevelt Hadley, Tanganyika Dorsett, Thomas L. Miller Jr., and Natasha Lero.

She will be lovingly remembered by Lenarr Hadley, Paulette Hadley, Walter Hadley, and a host of family and friends.

Gladys will forever live in our hearts. May she rest in heavenly peace.

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