Gladys Delores Myricks was born October 5, 1941, to the late Fred Johnson and Elizabeth Mae Cooks in Montgomery, Alabama. She was the eldest of four children. At an early age she and her family relocated to Akron, Ohio where Gladys completed her education at North High School.

It was her sophomore year that she met the love of her life Wilman Myricks. They were joined in holy matrimony on May 21, 1960. To that union were birthed two daughters, Carla Denise and Dawn Renee along with twin sons Aaron Keith and Darren Kirk. Wilman and Gladys were blessed to celebrate 65 years of marriage this past year.

Gladys was a beacon of love, kindness, and creativity. A loving and devoted homemaker, she devoted her life to her family and church. She was not only a mother; she was the heart of the family. Her role as housewife allowed her to surround her children with warmth and unwavering support. You could always count on her baked goods to add joy and comfort to any occasion. Whether it's a Sunday church dinner or holiday meal her signature cakes were full of unique flavors and prepared with love!

In addition to her culinary talents, Gladys was an accomplished seamstress. With a sewing machine, needle in hand and a vision in her heart she stitched many clothes for her family personalizing them with the label "Made by Gladys Myricks" to mark as her gift of perfection. Each stitch told a story-about love, care and creativity. From beautiful fabrics to beautifully tailored garments, her work reflected her love and attention to detail. Her ability to sew provided comfort both physically, from the warmth of handmade items, and emotionally, from love that pervades all creation.

Gladys accepted the Lord as her personal Savior along with her husband in 1962. A faithful member of her church, she was very involved in her spiritual family.    Actively participating in church activities, she offered her talents for uplifting others and spreading good will. She served on the Usher Board, Nurses Guild, and served as church secretary displaying a spirit of loving service. Faith in God was the guiding force in her life, giving strength in difficult times and encouraging those around her to live a compassionate life.

A good heart left an indelible mark.

On Monday evening January 26, 2026, our loving mother and wife was called to her eternal rest with the Lord. Though her physical presence may no longer be with us, her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. We will always remember the warmth of her presence, her laughter, and the smell of delicious meals and freshly baked goods. She taught us the value of kindness, the importance of giving and the beauty of creativity. When we think of her life, we    remember a woman who brought joy to others and whose spirit lives on forever. Always loved and never forgotten, she will always have a special place in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Johnson and Elizabeth Mae Rodgers (Robert) and brother, Roy Rodgers,

She leaves to mourn her passing, loving husband Wilman Myricks, children, Carla Myricks, Dawn Bickley-Baker (Andre), Aaron Myricks (Janet,), and Darren Myricks (Nicole); grandchildren, Durand Myricks (Marisa), Chantel Bickley, Cameron Bickley (Ashley), Capri Bickley, Amayah Myricks, and Ayanna Myricks; great grandchildren, Briana Esters and Davon Myricks; sister, Dorothy Johnson of California and brother Yusuf Sabor of California; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones who have blessed her life.