Gladys was born June 22, 1930 to Herman and Dolly Lokey in Prairie Arkansas. Shortly after her birth Dolly became ill and Gladys was sent to live with her Grandmother Lou Beggs, in Stuttgart. There she was raised with Dorsey and Atlie Beggs, who were always known as her brother and sister. They grew up in the heart of Arkansas, when times were as men would say the "Best of Times and the Worst of Times". Gladys moved to Shafter, California in 1952. She along with her family worked in the agriculture industry like so many families did that migrated to the San Joaquin Valley. Gladys picked potatoes, cut grapes, rolled raisins and chopped cotton. She also worked in the roses for the Armstrong Nursery. Gladys put in many, many years of hard physical labor in the hot Bakersfield sun. In the late 60's she landed a job at the Buttonwillow 76 Truck Plaza, where she worked as a waitress for over 10 years. After her husband Cliff Word died of Cancer in 1985, Gladys moved to Bakersfield, there she then began a new chapter in her life. She went to work for Chain, Younger, Cohen and Stiles, law firm. She worked on the Group Law mail outs and in office services for over 6 years. There was not a job she was asked to do that she would not do with her whole heart and to the best of her ability. Gladys attended Valley Baptist Church; she worked with the AWANA, Sunday school class and loved to be a part of the team. She always loved and looked forward to the Harvest Round-up days at the church. She shared her love of Jesus to all who knew her. She never tired of trying to help her family members get through the rough times in their lives, she was always there with a hug and kiss and words of encouragement. How could you not listen to a woman who had been through so much herself and came out so victoriously with God's grace. Gladys was mom to all and was loved by all. Gladys leaves behind 5 children; Larry Isbell, Pam Word, Leonard Isbell, Mona Cimental and Sid Isbell Jr. She has 15 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren. Viewing will be at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter, Monday May 27th from 2 pm to 8 pm. Services will be held at 1pm on May 28th, at Valley Baptist Church at 4800 Fruitvale Ave, Bakersfield. There will be a gathering after the services at the home of Gladys located at 211 West Belle Ave, Bakersfield CA 93308.