Gladys (Hinson) Smith, lifelong resident of Winter Haven/ Auburndale area, passed away on October 17, 2024, at the age of 97. 

Gladys was born in 1927 in Plant City, FL. to Dewey and Sarah (Beckum) Hinson. She graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1946. For many years, she owned and operated Gladys' Beauty Salon on Avenue G, NW in Winter Haven, FL. She retired and sold her shop in 1990. She was a long-time active member of First Baptist Church of Auburndale and will be remembered for her kind and generous spirit, always putting other's needs before her own.

  She is predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Alvyn Smith; daughter, Donna (Smith) Peavy; sister, Marie Hammond; and brother Eddie Hinson. 

She is survived by her daughter, Sherry (Smith) Purvis of Lake Worth, Fl., grandchildren Lori Conlin, Patricia Messner, James Purvis, Matthew Bryan, Jerrett Bryan and Ashley Bryan. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren.

A Viewing will be held at 1:30 - 2:30pm and Funeral service will follow at 2:30pm Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Kersey Funeral Home. Flowers are welcome, but gifts to Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale, FL. in her name are also welcome.