Gladys Irene Sharp Raxter, 95, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 13, 2021.
She was a native and long-time resident of Andrews, and married Ray Rudolph Raxter in 1943. They moved their family to Roanoke Rapids in 1952.
Besides being a proud and busy mother, she was also a Girl Scout leader, sang in Roanoke Rapids First Baptist Church Choir, and was a member in various ladies’ and community groups.
Gladys and Ray returned to Andrews in 1969 with their youngest daughter. She opened Tiny Tots Daycare in 1970, which was the first childcare center in Andrews. Gladys nurtured it and many of the town’s children for the next 25 years.
She was a member of Andrews First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years and later enjoyed being part of their Young at Hearts group.
After selling and retiring from the business, she enjoyed spending lots of time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and traveling the country with friends and family.
She was a great seamstress and enjoyed making clothes for her children and grandchildren. She was known and loved by many for her kindness and tireless giving spirit.
She was the daughter of the late Leonard Jasper and Flora Jane Gregory Sharp, and wife of the late Ray Rudolph Raxter, who died March 18, 1999. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Janice Luray Raxter; five sisters, Emon Suitts, Pauline Reece, Mildred Raxter, Helen May and an infant sister; and three brothers, Alonzo, Lee and Eugene Sharp.
Surviving are her two daughters, Jean Raxter, of Marietta, Ga., and Kimberly Sheridan and husband Jim of Johns Creek, Ga.; a son, Ronald Raxter of Asheville; five grandchildren, Tamara Van Tuyl, Alyssa Van Tuyl Liedke, Alexandra Raxter, Katie Sheridan and Matthew Sheridan; two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Maggie Liedke; and sister, Joanne Rogers of Marble.
Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, May 16, at Andrews First Baptist Church with Dr. Calvin Bobo officiating. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Matthew Sheridan, Andrew Liedke, Jim Sheridan, Scott Raxter, Gary Rogers and Marty Reece. Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Raxter and Kenny Rogers.
The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:45 p.m. Sunday prior to the services at Andrews First Baptist Church.
Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.