Gladys L. Johnson

Gladys Johnson was born in Gilmer, TX on July 7, 1932, to Arby Lee Odom and Jesse Mae Tunnell Odom.  She passed away peacefully in her sleep and entered Heaven’s gates on September 26, 2022.

Gladys met her husband, L.M. ‘Chub’ in high school in Roscoe, Texas. After the high school sweethearts married on November 26, 1951, she traveled to Germany with him as he served in the Air Force. They were able to travel to Switzerland, France, Holland, Denmark and other adventures while stationed in Europe. Gladys always enjoyed attending Chub’s Air Force reunions in their retirement. 

Gladys and Chub returned home and started their family with daughters Beverly and Gayla in Sweetwater, Texas. They settled in Odessa and welcomed the arrival of children Pam and David. Gladys attended her children’s band activities and never missed a Friday football game.

Gladys was proud of all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to watch their sporting events when she was able, and she loved to go shopping, play cards and dominoes with them.

Gladys, a loving mother and homemaker, was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends, especially over the holidays. Her famous chocolate meringue pie was highly requested and a holiday favorite by all.  She loved watching a good tennis match.  Gladys was an expert seamstress and spent many hours sewing for her family.  She and her husband ran many businesses throughout Odessa, including Vivian’s Flower Shop, still in business today.  Gladys was a faithful follower of Jesus and a member of the Billy Hext Road Church of Christ. 

Gladys is survived by L.M. ‘Chub’ Johnson, her loving husband of 70 years; Sister Gloria Calderazzo of Annapolis, MD;  Daughter Beverly Johnson, Daughter Gayla McDougal and husband Bob, Daughter Pam Leesher and husband Johnny; and Son David Johnson. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Cindi Stevenson, Candice Adams, Heather McCombs, Robert McDougal and Matt Leesher. She had 6 great-grandchildren, Ava Lyn McCombs, Kaitlyn Stevenson, Ashlee Stevenson, Slade McCombs, Avery Leesher and Riley McCombs.

A graveside service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, October 1^st, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery 6801 E Business 20, Odessa, TX 79762.  Arrangements are under the care of Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home of Crane.