Obituary of Gladys Harless Wright

Gladys Wright’s spirit went home on January 22, 2023—but not before it graced each

person who had the pleasure of meeting her. She was seventy-one years old, being born on

November 18, 1951. Gladys was preceded in death by Beatrice Davis Harless and Arnold Huff

Harless, her parents, as well as her brother, Larry T. Harless. She attended William Fleming High

School.

With her husband, Kenneth D. Wright, originally of Daleville, she had two daughters.

Her first daughter, Kimberly D. Smith, was born in 1971. Her second daughter, Patricia A.

Wright, was born in 1973. Of Kimberly Smith, she enjoyed two grandchildren, Devin Smith (26)

and Derek Smith (24), both of Copper Hill, Virginia. Of Patricia Wright, she enjoyed two more

grandchildren, Justin Jarrett (26) and Kayla Jarrett (24), both of Roanoke, Virginia. Finally, she

had one great granddaughter, Rhiannon A. Stores (3), also of Roanoke. Kenneth & Gladys’

marriage lasted nearly fifty-three years.

She is survived by her brother, Jack Harless, and her twin sisters, Brenda Shockley and

Glenda Harless. She is further survived by her loving husband, daughters, grandchildren, and

beloved great granddaughter. She will be forever remembered as the most generous, kind-hearted

person whom many have ever met. Her favorite activities included travelling to Charlotte, North

Carolina to visit her sister, Brenda, talking to her grandchildren Justin and Kayla, and playing

with her great granddaughter, Rhiannon. Gladys also enjoyed listening to oldies music, sitting

outside with her daughter, Patricia, shopping, and watching television. There is no doubt that she

will be sorely missed by all of those listed above, in addition to her three cats, Bella, Hendrix,

and Rosa.

Gladys’ memorial service will be held 6:00 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road,

Roanoke, Virginia 24019.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service,  and for a brief time following the service.  Please

send donations and/or flowers to 4849 Player Drive, Roanoke, Virginia 24019. For additional

information or to reach out with fond memories, call or text Kenneth Wright at (540) 366-6676

or Justin Jarrett at (540) 977-8717.