Gladys Gates Fulcher passed away Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Brookdale-Peachtree Assisted Living in Statesville, N.C., surrounded by members of her family.
Those who knew her wherever she lived need no further testimonials of an exemplary life that always put others first. She was loving and lovable, genuine, sacrificial and selfless. Gladys possessed remarkable strength and wisdom. Despite her declining health in the past 15 years, she never lost her sense of humor, which so frequently gave a lift to her cherished family.
She fought the good fight, she finished the course, she kept the faith.
Gladys was a true “green thumb.” She was especially happy spending time in her own yard and on her farm in Lenoir County, a part of her family’s original Century Farm, as designated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
Gladys loved to travel, to discover new things, and to “see where this road leads.” She and her husband Tom found great enjoyment in their travels in and out of the country, especially after their retirement from careers in community college education.
Gladys attended Lenoir County Schools and graduated from Southwood School as salutatorian. She was the recipient of the DAR Award and was the Most Valuable Player in Girls Basketball. She was a graduate of Lenoir Community College and Gardner-Webb University, with graduate study at Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Gladys was a life-long Methodist and member of Broad Street United Methodist Church. Her civic contributions included serving as president of the Statesville-City of Progress Kiwanianne Club and as first chairwoman of the club’s Angel Tree Christmas project at Signal Hill Mall in cooperation with the Salvation Army.
Gladys was past state membership chairwoman of the State Employees Association of North Carolina, past chairwoman of SEANC District 12 and Member of the Year, delegate to the annual SEANC convention for 37 years, including membership on numerous state, regional and district committees.
Gladys was a retired state employee in educational support staff roles at Lenoir and Mitchell community colleges and after retirement as administrative assistant to the Business and Industry director for the North Carolina Community College System’s western regional office at Surry Community College.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Gates Jr. and Caroline Waller Gates, an infant son, and her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Ted Gates and Joanne Gates. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Thomas O. Fulcher; children, Michael A. Hardison (Laura) of Whiteville, N.C., and Julie H. Pope (Jamie) of Winston-Salem, N.C; grandchildren, Scott Hardison (Lauren), Emmy P. Alford (Damon), and Nicholas Pope; step-granddaughter, Brooke Pittman; great grandchildren, Olivia Hardison, Avery Hardison, and Kenzo Alford; brother Charles H. Gates (Pat) of Kinston, N.C.; step-children, Melanie L. Fulcher of Lebanon, Maine, Thomas O. Fulcher Jr. (Elizabeth) of Southern Shores, N.C., and Andrea H. Fulcher of Raleigh, N.C.; step-grandson Shane Elwell (Yuliya); and step-great grandchildren, Maya Elwell and Jack Elwell.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Broad Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Sonny Reavis officiating.
The family wishes to express its gratitude to the health care providers over the years who made such meaningful contributions in helping Gladys. Most recently that wonderful care came from staffs at Hospice of Iredell County and Brookdale-Peachtree Assisted Living. She always thanked them and she meant it.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625; Broad Street United Methodist Church, 315 W. Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28677; and Children’s Hope Alliance, P.O. Box 1, Barium Springs, NC 28010; or a charity of one’s choice.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.