In the early morning of Monday, March 13, Gladys Cates Harbour Ezell heard the words “Well done” from the Lord, himself, as she was welcomed into her Heavenly Home. Aunt Gladys, as she was affectionately known by her family, was born in Lafayette County on Aug. 9, 1921, to Sam Cates and Eva Perry Cates. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, R O Hatcher; and both husbands, Jim Bob Harbour and Lloyd Ezell. She is survived by her step-daughter, Barbara Coulthurst-Rotunda and step-daughter-in-love, Pat Ezell; five step-grandchildren, Lisa Hendrick, Kirk Johnson, Donna Moore, Richard Ezell and Tara Crisp; two sisters-in-love, Nelda Hutcheson and Rennie Starling; two brothers-in-love, Donald Harbour and Hal Harbour; and special nieces, Debbie (Jeff) Wilson and Teri Harbour. Surviving nephews include Tommy (Nelda) Hatcher, Jerry Paul Harbour, Gary Harbour, David Gerald Harbour, Billy Harbour, John Fogelman, Bill Fogelman, Danny Harbour and Steve Harbour. Other surviving nieces are Marilyn Reed, Dorothy Jean Simmons, Cindy Guastella, Marion Collins, Karen Jernigan, Lynn Swope, Rhonda McDonald, Darlene Pellicio and Glenda Taylor. Several cousins, great nieces and nephews, along with a host of friends also survive. While she was married to Jim Bob Harbour and lived in Lake Charles and Shreveport, La., she was employed by Chesson Oil Company as the assistant to the company CEO. Gladys loved to sew and often would have more than one project “in the making” for someone. After the death of Jim Bob, she returned to Jacksonville, Fla. and worked for Kelly Services. While visiting her brother in Mayo, she re-connected with her childhood sweetheart Lloyd Ezell, whom she later married and moved “home” to Lafayette County. After Lloyd died, she moved to Dowling Park, where she worked at the Lodge at Advent Christian Village until she retired at the age of 85. Even after retiring she continued to volunteer at the Village Gift Shop, The Twice Nice Shop and Warehouse, where she was the “fix it” lady who hemmed, sewed missing buttons, and repaired a tear to many items for resale. Failing health caused her to move to Dacier Manor and then, later, to the Good Samaritan Center. Gladys lived for 101 years and was an inspiration to many. She never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew her. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 2 at Pine Level Baptist Church, located at 11882 217th Rd., in Live Oak. Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.
