Gladys Marie (nee Foutz) Lamason, age 85 of Gainesville, FL, passed away on Wednesday January 5th, 2022 in the comfort of her own home surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born April 9, 1936 in Slaton, TX to Roy “Papa” Lee Foutz and Edna “Mama” Knight-Foutz. With her husband, Jerry C. Ray, and their children, they relocated from Houston, TX to Gainesville FL in 1968, where she spent the remainder of her life. Jerry was the love of her life, but sadly passed in 1971 due to stomach cancer. Years later, she found love again and remarried to Gerald Thorp. They bonded over their love of literature and cultural similarities. His life was taken in a tragic motorcycle accident, which Gladys miraculously survived. She was again fortunate to find love and companionship with Robert Lamason in 1996, whom she was married to for almost 20 years until his passing in 2016.
Gladys graduated with honors from Nacogdoches High School in 1953, then went on to get a degree in education from Abilene Christian College in 1956. After Jerry’s passing, she obtained her Masters degree at the University of Florida. She became an elementary school teacher, where she taught 1st grade for the majority of her nearly 40 year career. During her retirement, she loved visiting her family in Tampa and in the Pacific Northwest, enjoyed cooking and gardening, and volunteered at the Performing Arts Center.
She was an avid reader, loved traveling the world, listening to classical music, and was truly beloved by her friends, family, and anyone she met. Her kindness, generosity, quick wit, and southern charm were unmatched. Gladys was an active member of the United Church of Gainesville for years, and is survived by many friends of the church.
Gladys is survived by her three children: Jerralyn Roberts, LeeAnne Ray, and Marvin Ray; her five grandchildren: Joseph Konrady, Lindsay Konrady, Whitney Konrady, Alexandra Rice, and Lauren Roberts; and her five great-grandchildren: Edith, Mabel, and Sylvie Rice, and Cairo and Kenai Hunter. She was an integral part of her family, and will be dearly missed.
There will be an intimate burial service with family and close friends held at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery on January 13th, 2022. Arrangements are in the care of Milam Funeral & Cremation Services. 311 S Main St. Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-5361
