Gladys E. McLeod Bledsoe

Gladys E. McLeod Bledsoe passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, December 21, 2018 with her family by her side. Gladys was born in Charleston on August 17, 1931. She was the third child and first daughter of Samuel Baxter and Annie Frances Elmore. She used to tell her family and friends that her father gave her the name Gladys because he was so "glad" he now had a daughter. She was predeceased by her parents; two older brothers, Samuel Baxter Elmore Jr. and Harold Martin Elmore; her first husband of 35 years, Samuel Merritt McLeod and her second husband of 22 years, John Kane Bledsoe. She is survived by her two children, David Merritt McLeod (Maggie) of Tryon, NC and Susan McLeod Epstein (David) of Charleston, SC; a sister, Mattie Elmore Nielsen; four grandchildren, Theresa M. Vaughn, Amy M. DeGarady, Rebecca Rae Epstein, and Robert Merritt Epstein; and five great-grandchildren. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, DOWNTOWN CHAPEL.

Gladys enjoyed an exemplary and full life. She graduated from Chicora High School and attended Winthrop College. She found her lifelong passion in banking. Gladys began her career as a utility clerk, then worked her way up breaking the glass ceiling and eventually retiring in 1992 as Vice President of C & S Bank as Director of the Upstate Operations. Gladys was very active in her church and the community and gave tirelessly of her time and talents. She served on many professional women's organizations such as Zonta International, National Women in Banking and United Methodist Women's Organization. She also served on the board of Spartanburg Trident Technical College. After retirement, she continued to share her compassion and tireless generosity by volunteering at her church and various other volunteer organizations. She was deeply connected and contributed greatly to Backpack Buddies, a mission at St. Andrews Parish United Methodist whose undertaking is to ensure no child goes home hungry.

Gladys was a planner and always looked forward to the next trip, dinner party or event. There were always lists to be checked off and shopping to do. She also freely gave others sage advice - which will be sorely missed by those lucky enough to be on the receiving end of her guidance and wisdom.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 5, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrews Parish United Methodist Church, 3225 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to St. Andrews Parish United Methodist Church.