Obituaries

Gladys Arlene Stokes-Butler was born April 23, 1962 to the union of
Willie and Darnellia Davis. Affectionately called Glad-Rag, she was the
youngest of 10 children.
Gladys received her early educational foundation at Ethan Allen and
Gladstone Elementary, obtained her HS Diploma from RT Crane,
her AA Degree from Harold Washington College and her HVAC
Certification from Coyne College.
Gladys started her working career as a manager for McDonald’s
Corp. While working in this capacity, she used her influence as an
opportunity to employ many youths from around the City and the
youths that attended Greater Harvest as well. She also worked as a
Medical Transport Driver for Rescue 8, Vandenburg, Chicago Dept. of
Transportation and then became a ParaTransit Driver for PACE.
Gladys joined Greater Harvest MB Church under the leadership of Rev.
Henry Bracken where she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and
was filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost.

She joined the Young Adult Choir but her passion led her to work in the Media Dept under Deacon Halliburton
and Deacon Seay as the Church would Broadcast over 1390 AM Radio. Taking her assignment seriously, Gladys
along with Frank Bells and others, worked tirelessly to engineer the sound system of the Church. Her goal was
to achieve the best quality balance between music and speaker for the pleasure of the listening audience. She also
made available tapes and CD’s of services for anyone who would request them. Gladys especially loved it when
Pastor Thomas would give her a thumbs up for her efforts.
She met and married Lamar Butler at Greater Harvest and they were married for 17 years.
Gladys wholeheartedly believed in her Church’s Motto, “The Church Serving Humanity” and exemplified it in
demonstration by helping with the Christmas Give-Aways, participating in fundraising events, and also working
as a honorary Pastor’s Birthday Committee Member.
Gladys was known for her sweet loving spirit and beautiful smile. She loved being a blessing to everyone. Be it
showing kindness, offering words of encouragement or taking time out to make someone’s day, she was always
willing. Never taking credit for herself, she would always say “Thank the Lord”.
Gladys’s unselfish sacrificial love for her family and friends will be truly missed by all. Her infectious smile, gentle
spirit, and sense of humor as well. Gladys, we love you and we know that God loves you more.
Surrounded by her loving family, Gladys made her transition on Tuesday, 13 Aug 24
Preceding her in death, her beloved parents and her sister, Alexandria Johnson.
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband Lamar, siblings; Veolia, James, Cardelia, Donald, Oriana (Willie)
Sarah ( Jeffrey) Peggy,and Tony (Carolyn), lnlaws; Michael (Hattie), Shelia (Keith), Marshall (Marilyn), and
Darryl (Ginger). Step-Son, Matthew, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and co-workers God Sisters;
Mary Bradford and Linda Lawrence; God Children; Odis, Romaell, Kayla, Kendall, Shyan, and Shamaya.
Special friends; Socorro Portillo, Nancy Greer and Frank Bells. The Walton Family and the entire GH Church