Gladys Oakley

Gladys Oakley passed peacefully at her home surrounded by family on December 21, 2025, in Terrell, Texas. She was born on February 7, 1944, to Vincente and Deloris (Gonzales) Trevino in Terrell, Texas. Gladys is preceded in death by her parents; uncle, Raymond; siblings: Mary Angus and Julian Trevino; son, Vincente Oakley; son-in-law, Billy Renfro; sister-in-law, Cecila Oakley and her husband, Royce. Gladys grew up in the city of Dallas where she had the storybook romance with the boy next door, Larry. They became inseparable and found a soulmate within each other from the very beginning. They were united in love when they were wed on May 12, 1963. Upon graduation, Larry joined the Navy. During his service to our country, Larry and Gladys were still able to develop their love for one another and were blessed with their four children, Gina, Tammy, Vincente, and Tommie. Being married to a Naval Officer on active patrol, Gladys was still able to raise her children in a loving family environment. Gladys was a profound, resilient woman and it showed in her daily life. She served the City of Dallas as a field technician and then as a Security Specialist for Terrell State hospital, all while cheering for her children at every soccer game, driving them to and from practices without fail. Gladys was the heart of every get together, the fun at every party, and the laughter at each event. Her weekends were filled with sports, and menudo runs every Sunday. She also sold fruit at the local farmers market, ensuring her entire family was well taken care of. Among tending to her family, Gladys found comfort in pottery making and painting. She could visualize practically anything and with clay to a wheel or a brush to a canvas, Gladys created beautiful pieces. The strength of Gladys was tested when she was in a tragic accident in 2006, just months before retiring from the Terrell State Hospital. This accident only solidified her perseverance in being the best and most devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Although Gladys and her family were given a prognosis of only 10 more years due to the severity of the injuries she sustained, once again, Gladys’ resolute spirit allowed her and her beloved family over 20 more years and this gift is the greatest they each could have ever hoped for. The family finds comfort knowing that Gladys has been healed and will be waiting for them, loving, and giving the loudest cheers. Gladys is survived by her husband of 62 years, Larry Oakley; daughters: Gina Lancaster and husband, Jerry, Tammy Renfro, Tommie Oakley and partner, Brandon; grandchildren: Krista Lancaster and wife, Eunice, Marissa Seibert and husband, Alex, Tamra Renfro and partner, Blake, Skyler Renfro, Heaven Saldana and partner, Ross, Brooklyn Saldana and fiancée, Baylie, John Harvey and partner, Kayle. Also left surviving Gladys are her 10 loving great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Windel and wife, Fran as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and host of friends. A Celebration of Gladys' life will be held at 12:00 p.m., January 5, 2026 at the Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with an inurnment to follow at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas at 3:15 p.m. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 2:00 p.m, to 4:00 p.m., on December 29, 2025 in the chapel.

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Gladys Oakley

February 7, 1944 - December 21, 2025