Gladys Wright celebrates 95th birthday in Lawrence County

By Roberta Cantrell

BSN Editor

A Lawrence County woman who will be celebrating her birthday Wednesday, Jan. 22, has made her share of contributions to the county, neighbors and especially her family in her 95 years.

Gladys Wright, who is most affectionately known as “Ma” Gladys was married to Stanley Wright in June 23, 1946, and made a life on what was once called Twin Branch and is now Hwy 828. After the Navy, Stanley worked and retired from General Motors in Columbus, and during that time would stay with his sister during the week and after work on Friday, he headed home to Kentucky to his wife Gladys and family for the weekend.

Gladys, who is a Kentucky Colonel, worked many years as an election worker for the Deep Hole precinct in Lawrence County and had many other jobs besides being a wife and mother.

She helped both her mother and father-in law on the farm before taking on a job at a sewing factory in Louisa and then for Cox’s Department Store as a sales clerk. She also worked at Lulie Belles Restaurant for a short time and even worked in Columbus at a sewing factory called Harts.

Ma Gladys raised seven children, two sons, Sam and Wayne; twins, Patricia and Pam, Sharon, Sandy and Theresa as well as helping raise an army of nieces, nephews who always wanted to come during the summer to stay. According to her granddaughter Shona Smith, children in the neighborhood and her grandchildren were always welcomed and even with a houseful she still made time to go to church taking all the kids with her as well as neighbor kids and anyone else who wanted to go.

“She has always been a devout Christian and spent and still spends endless hours behind a sewing machine making clothes for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as her great-great grandchildren,” said Smith.

Zachary Wright, great grandson of Ma Gladys said she’s the best great grandmother ever. “Every person who asks about her always has a special thing to say about her,” said Wright (KSP Trooper). “She is kind, loving and God fearing. Every time she speaks, it’s wisdom.”

When asked to provide the Big Sandy News with opinions and some quotes for a story on Ma Gladys there was such an outpouring of responses.

One being from a neighbor who gave Ma Gladys much credit and thanks for her positive upbringing.

“Ma Gladys, thank you for showing the kindness in my youth, providing a safe space to play and be a child. For leading me to the Lord through your example,” said Tracy Webb Skeens. “My list of thank you’s are never ending. I am and always have been so grateful for you. I love you and what a beautiful lady you are.”

In the past the family has always celebrated by hosting a party with guests such as Rocky Adkins (who at the time was Lawrence County state representative), Walter Blevins (at the time was state senator), along with so many community members and that the venue would have to be in a community center, however this year the family is asking for anyone who wishes to acknowledge Ma Gladys on her birthday to send a card. The goal is 95 cards and can be mailed to Gladys Wright, 7732 HWY 828, Louisa, KY 41230.