Gladys Marie Smith Waller

Gladys Marie Smith Waller, aged 88, passed away peacefully on the evening of November 05, 2025, in the presence of her loving family. Funeral services will be held at 1 PM, Sunday, November 09, at May & Smith Funeral Home in Sandersville, Georgia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Born on September 17, 1937 in Sandersville, Gladys was the daughter of the late Edgar Clark “Bubber” Smith and Elsie Lorene Hood Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Frank Donald “Don” Waller, and son, Timothy Donald Waller. Together, Gladys and Don touched the lives of many people in an outpouring of their Christian faith. Her ministry to others was a beautiful expression of God’s love flowing through a life of faithful service — as a kindergarten teacher, guiding children with patience and love; as a hospice volunteer, offering care and comfort to those nearing the end of life; and as a devoted servant within her church community, visiting shut-ins and nursing home residents to share communion, fellowship, and the love of Christ. She was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Cordele and served as the Financial Secretary there for many years.

Gladys left behind an insurmountable legacy of love. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose love was boundless and unconditional. She is survived by her daughter, Wendy Waller Hughes (Bill) of Jacksonville, Florida, her sister-in-love, Judy Marlene Waller, beloved brothers, Robert Clark Smith (Penny) and Larry Thomas Smith (Rosemary), all of Sandersville. She was blessed with 3 grandchildren; Sutton Waller Lester (Lewis) of Cordele, Alia Hughes Simpson (Alex), and Eli Donald Hughes, both of Jacksonville. She has 2 great grandchildren, James Drayton Lester and Tekoah Rhys Lester.

In place of flowers, Gladys requested that memorial contributions be made to the Church or to a charity that serves others. While Earthly beauty fades, the good we do in Christ’s name will endure forever.

Condolences may be made online at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.