Gladys M. Croom

Services will be 12:00 noon on Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Reed’s Chapel A.M.E. Church for Mrs. Gladys M. Croom, 97, of Youngstown, who entered eternal life on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Health Center – Youngstown.

            Mrs. Croom was born August 13, 1920 in Sales City, Georgia, a daughter of Louis and Cora Bell Ralph Lunsford.  She was a graduate of the Pittsburgh City School System.   Gladys was known as Rosie the Riveter Welder during wartimes; had worked at the Mahoning County TB Sanatorium; and Northside Hospital Central Supply and Environmental services, retiring in 1985.  She is a member of Reed’s Chapel joining in 1949, a class leader, steward, a member of the Gospel Choir, culinary ministry and food pantry.  She was a former member of the Order of Easter Star; and a member of A.A.R.P.  She enjoyed cooking, gardening, politics, watching western movies and “Judge Judy”, knitting, sewing, and being with her loving family.

            She leaves to mourn her passing, but to rejoice in her peace with the Lord, two daughters, Gloria London of Youngstown and Carol Harley of Tampa, FL; two sisters, Mildred Stribling of Sacramento, CA and Louise Logan of Pittsburgh, PA; seven grandchildren, Carol Croom Stanford whom she reared, Robert Harley, Larry Harley, Tammie Harley, Katherine Croom, Katherine McCampbell and Bridget Croom; nine great grandchildren; 10 great great grandchildren; and a host nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

            Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Rufus Harley; and second husband, Henry Croom; her sisters, Ruth Townsend, Ozella Cartwright, Dorothy Perrin, and Vera Lundsford; and a granddaughter, Bridget Harley.

            Visitation hour will be Monday from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the church.  Arrangements entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

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