JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Gladys Lucye’ Holliday Theus passed away Feb. 20, 2010, in Jacksonville, Fla., at 81.

Born Nov. 27, 1928, in Baton Rouge, she moved to Vicksburg with her parents, John Vernon Holliday and Clara Leone Russell.

Gladys was a graduate of Carr Central High School and All Saints’ Episcopal College. She and her husband, Leonard D. Theus, made their home in Orlando, Fla., and raised their family of five children.

Gladys was predeceased by her husband, Leonard (Jan. 3, 2006), and her son, Blake Maxey Theus (May 25, 1952), and is survived by her daughter, Holly Theus Storrs of Orlando; sons, John E. Theus of Plant City, Fla., Frank R. Theus, wife Julie and grandsons, Micah, Nathan and Joshua of St. Louis, Mo. and David A. Theus, wife Sheila and granddaughters, Vanessa Ann and Sarah Louise of Macclenny, Fla.

Gladys loved music and was an accomplished pianist. Her passion for good food and good friends were evident, and her love of Country and American history were always on her mind. She served as an active member of the Orlando Garden Club and the Jefferson Davis Chapter, Florida Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Gladys was a daughter, a wife, our mom and a believer eternal.

Her viewing service will be from 10 until 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26, 2010, at Riles Funeral Home with a private graveside service at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Covenant Theological Seminary, 12330 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO 63141.