Gladys Kinlaw

Gladys Musselwhite Kinlaw of St. Pauls passed away on May 8th at the age of 80. She was born on April 21, 1941 to the late Carr and Allie Musselwhite. Gladys was predeceased by her husband Mitchell, her parents, a brother JC, and sisters Mary Collins McNeil and Doris Taylor.

Gladys is survived by her sister Carlene Whitley of Red Springs, sisters-in-law Ann Collar of Charlotte, Faye Robinson, Melba Kinlaw, and Cathy Jackson all of St. Pauls as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. They also enjoyed a lifelong friendship with Harold and Augusta Britt of Little River SC.

Gladys and Mitchell were married for 63 years and blessed with 4 children; Kenny and his wife Susan, Mark, Julie Robinson and her husband Michael, and Keith. For all of Gladys’ life she only wanted to be a mother and while she worked outside of the home at times her greatest work was raising her 4 children. Her greatest joy in life were her 9 grandchildren; Aaron, Reid, Trae, Tara, Courtney, Gabbie, Keri, Ali,and Matthew, & 4 great grandchildren Kobe, Cameron, Maddox, and Jasiah.

Gladys & Mitchell spent the majority of their lives together in the Tolarsville community and were active members of the Tolarsville Baptist Church. Over the years Gladys served as Sunday School Teacher and Youth Leader. After moving to St.Pauls in their later years Gladys became a member of First Baptist Church and thoroughly enjoyed her time with the ‘Beams’ Sunday School class.

Gladys loved to spend her days watching Soap Operas, The Young & the Restless, always the favorite while she sipped on a cold coca cola and enjoyed an oatmeal cookie. She was very spirited and enjoyed nothing more  than spending time with her children and grandchildren. On her 80th birthday just 2 weeks ago she even taught one of her nursing assistants how to shag.

Although the grandchildren are grown now, some even have kids of their own they would all say that Granny (or Grandma) and Granddaddy played a major role in who they have become. As they were growing up, there was rarely a weekend that some or all of them weren’t spending that time with their grandparents. Saturday’s were filled with golf cart rides, fishing with Granddaddy, ice cream in the swing with Granny, and a living room full of little ones. Granny would make the pallet of blankets and Granddaddy would make the popcorn.

While Mama’s passing was unexpected, as her children we know that she is with Daddy. Meeting as teenagers they had spent most of their lives together. He took great care of her as she struggled through heart related issues and in the later years she cared for him as he struggled with Alzheimers. We know that they will look after each other now.

The family would like to express our most heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Linda McKinnon of Interim Healthcare, who was their in-home caregiver and to West Bladen Assisted Living. We appreciate all of you and thank you for taking such good care of our Mama in the most difficult circumstances.