Gladys Marie Grady - King

"Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." Psalms 91 :14-16

Gladys Marie Grady King, lovingly known as Aunt Gladys by most, passed away on
December 19, 2025, surrounded by boundless love, at the tender age of 102. She was a cherished
family member whose presence brought warmth, wisdom and quiet strength to all who knew her.
She was born to the late Ellen Lee Grady (Fordham) and William Coleman. Gaston Fordham, Sr.
was her stepfather all which pre-deceased her in life. Gladys was the oldest, child of seven
children. She had five younger brothers and one sister. Gaston Jr., Julius, William, Aaron and
Carl. Her sister’s name was Martha.
Glayds, graduated from Kinston High School, in June of 1942. Upon graduation from her
secondary level of education, she attended Elizabeth City College. She majored in general
studies with an emphasis on business administration. This was a proud moment for her family
because she was the first member of the family to be accepted and attend college.
Gladys entered a martial union with Mack King, and they relocated to Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. They lived happily together until his untimely death. They did not have any
children.
Early in life, Gladys was a loyal and committed Au Pair, to the Beaudry family. She loved every
member of this family like they were her own family. She would often state that Michael and
Michele Beaudry were like the children that she never had. She loved them dearly and Michael
was by her side as she started her transition from glory to reward, answering God’s call to eternal
rest.
Aunt Gladys will be remembered for her kind heart, her unwavering love for family, and the
many ways she showed care through her words and actions. She had a gift for making others feel
welcome and valued, leaving lasting impressions on generations of loved ones. She was known
for her love of games such as solitaire, spades, checkers and her beloved crosswords, which
remained a staple hobby of hers throughout her life.
Gladys is survived by her devoted family members, including one brother of Boston,
Massachusetts, Carl Fordham, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives and dear
friends. Among her greatest joys was the special bond that she shared with her nieces, Shirley
Dudley and Angela Fordham-Lewis. She also cared deeply for her nephew Elmer Wayne Dudley
and great-great nephew Ja’Quan Julien Lewis.
Aunt Gladys will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Her life was a blessing, her memory
a treasure, and her love remains forever in the hearts of those who knew her and love her.

“I have not really left you even though it may seem so; I have gone to my heavenly home, and I
am closer than you know”.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted 11:00AM, Sunday, December 21, 2025 at the Hickory Grove Church of Christ - Disciples of Christ Church (601 West Road - Kinston, North Carolina 28504). 

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