Gladys Virginia Blackerby was born February 10, 1922 in Paris, Texas to Claude and Verdie (Martin) Dempsey. She came to the Lamont/Arvin area in 1962. Gladys was a simple woman. She was a good homemaker and a great cook who took pride in the care she gave to her family. Gladys was a funny woman who enjoyed talking to everyone. She enjoyed hosting Sunday family dinners at home which usually included her fried chicken and homemade ice cream. She enjoyed hearing Pastor Graham Bell's sermon and music when he came to Evergreen Arvin Healthcare Center. Gladys is survived by her seven children, Mike Blackerby, from Mansville, OK, Barbara Carr, James Blackerby, Brenda Waters, Jayce Hadley and Ronnie Blackerby all of Bakersfield, CA and Jerry Blackerby of Anderson, MO; her brother Dolan Dempsey of San Angelo, TX ; 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Claude and Verdie, two sons Kenneth Seago and Raymond Blackerby, and 10 of her brothers. There will be a viewing for Gladys on Sunday, January 27, from 2-8pm at Arvin Funeral Home. A graveside funeral service will be held on Monday, January 28, at 11am at the outdoor chapel at South Kern Cemetery District. Pastor Graham Bell will officiate and interment will follow.