GLADYS ALMEDA REEVES

Mrs. Gladys Almeda Reeves, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, in Whitestown, Indiana.

Gladys was born on May 29, 1935, in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, to Henry and Zola Webster. From an early age, she demonstrated strength, determination, and an adventurous spirit that would define her entire life.

She graduated from County High School in 1954 and, at just 18 years old, moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, determined to build a better life for herself.  With the support and encouragement of her sister Claire, Gladys worked various jobs, always striving to grow and move forward. Her persistence paid off and she was fortunate to begin working at Allison Transmission, a division of General Motors where she built a proud career.

Gladys accepted Christ early in life and was a faithful believer throughout her years. She was first a devoted member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and later became a member of Little Bethel Missionary Baptist Church following her marriage to Mr. James Reeves on October 3, 1981. She found great joy in singing in the church choir and praising God through music.

Gladys lived boldly and colorfully. She had a deep love for motorcycles, especially riding in front of a crowd and always choosing to kick-start her bike rather than using the electric starter (so that she could be noticed as a bad chick)!  She took great pride in showing off. Even after being diagnosed with dementia, this was one of the things that she remembered vividly and would gladly tell you about it, often with a smile.  She continued to remember those days and many of the happy times of her life, even as her dementia became increasingly aggressive.

Gladys had a love of painting and redecorating her home with vivid, expressive colors that reflected her personality.  It was not unusual to go to her home one day to visit her and James then return a week later only to see that she had repainted a decorative figurine or reupholstered a dining room chair. Her decorative style was always on full display throughout her home.

In the early stages of dementia, she still remembered her parents, Henry and Zola, her son Rickey, and her husband, James. But as stated before, as the disease progressed, it gradually robbed her of her memories and quieted her beautiful voice. But it never erased the love she gave or the impact she made on those who knew and loved her.

Mrs. Gladys Almeda Reeves departed this life on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the age of 90 years, seven months, and nine days.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James; her son, Rickey Webster; six brothers; three sisters; and her parents, Henry and Zola.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a grandson, Deadrian Pops; her sister, Dorothy M. Smith; and a host of nieces and nephews, along with many extended family members and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts. 

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