Gladys Irene Rowell Albritton (88) passed away peacefully after a short stay at Tidewell Hospice House, on July 17, 2025, in the presence of family.
Gladys, a proud Manatee County native, was born December 29, 1936, to Wesley B and Ella (Burke) Rowell. She was the 7th of 8 children. She, as did all her siblings, helped work her father's farm. The farm work did not keep them from enjoying the freedom and imaginative play that was part of country life at that time.
Gladys graduated from Manatee High School in 1954 where she lettered in varsity women's basketball. Soon after high school graduation, her older sister introduced her to Eason Albritton, the man she would marry. They were married until Eason's death in 1987. Gladys and Eason had two wonderful children. Gladys enjoyed her role as homemaker, mother, sister and aunt. She was a great cook and found creative ways to make dull day full of fun. She also found time to play in a women's basketball league. When the children were in elementary school, Gladys studied and became a Gray Lady at the school.
When the children entered middle school, Gladys began her first job outside of the home as an Assistant at what was then known as South County Youth Center. She learned to play tennis and participated in many tournaments in Bradenton. She loved her work at the Youth Center as she not only worked in the office, she taught tennis, coached girls' basketball and worked the center's bingo nights.
Later in life, after retiring from the Youth Center, Gladys found new adventures with friends and family traveling a bit with frequent trips to her favorite destination, the casinos in Biloxi and Tunica.
Gladys is preceded in death by her parents Wesley and Ella, her husband, Eason, her son in law, James Smith, and her siblings Edna, Audrey, Myrtle, Lottie, David and Louis.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen Smith, her son Joseph (Drew) Albritton, daughter in law Christine Albritton, sister Doris McKell and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews. We will miss the love, laughter and kindness she always brought with her as well as her positive outlook and wonderful sense of humor.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Tidewell Hospice House or the charity of your choice.
You may also choose to plant a tree to help provide homes for the squirrels and birds she enjoyed feeding.
