Obituary of Gladys R. Surratt

Gladys Reed Surratt, 95, of Roanoke passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, April 15, 2021.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Denton and Annie Dulaney Reed, beloved husband, Harry Surratt, Sr., daughter, Betty S. Coulthard and sisters Margie Moles and Treva Poff. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother.

Gladys’ life passion was her love of family. She married her one true love, Harry Sr., at 17 in Willis, VA.  They spent an incredible 60 years together – full of mutual love,respect and adoration.  Their love for each other radiated to all who knew them.  They spent their happiest days raising their children and grandchildren at “The Little Ponderosa”, their treasured home.  They cultivated a large garden, year after year, nourishing their family, friends and neighbors with their bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Her second passion was her career as a seamstress and she loved to create clothes, pajamas and quilts for her family.  She was a good Virginia Democrat who volunteered at the polls, volunteered at RAM House and numerous church related activities.  To quote one of her fellow church members: “In the history of our congregation, I cannot think of a better role model of humility, devotion and service…All of heaven’s angels are rejoicing to hold and hug one of the rarest of angels from Earth…Her impact on our lives was monumental”.  Blessed is the family that knows such love and we are thankful.

Surviving are her son, Harry Surratt, Jr. and wife Janet; grandchildren, Amy Elizabeth Patton (husband John), Harrison Reed Surratt, Elizabeth Surratt-Holt (husband Michael), and Sarah Layman Surratt; great grandchildren, Hannah Patton, Caleb Patton and Ophelia Holt; numerous nieces and nephews including Brenda and Mauyer Gallimore, Mike Poff and Leon and Bev Harris who continually visited her and took her to dinner.

Harry Jr. would like to thank his mother-in-law, Juanita Neely for hosting Gladys in her home briefly after Gladys finished rehab.  The family would like to thank the team of Carilion Clinic health care providers including Dr. Randall Rhea, Dr. Jeffrey Todd, Carilion Home Health and Carilion Hospice.  The family also wants to thank Caring Companions for all of their acts of kindness and compassion during Gladys’ final days.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1pm Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Rd by Pastor Harvey Leedy.  Interment will follow in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park.  The family will receive family and friends from 11am Tuesday April 20, 2021 until service time.  Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home 540-366-0707.