Obituary of Gladys M. Collins

ONEIDA LAKE . . . Gladys M. Collins, 68, of 9235 N. Main Street Rd. EXT of Canastota in Oneida Lake, peacefully passed away with her family by her side on Tuesday, August 28, 2018, in the evening at Oneida Healthcare. Gladys was born April 5, 1950, at home on her parents' couch. She was the youngest of four children, the daughter of the late Fred R. Brown, Sr. and Corena Brown (Scribner). She grew up on Lewis Point Road in Canastota and graduated Canastota High School as a member of both the 1968 and 1969 graduating classes. She married her high school sweetheart, the late Harry D. Whitmeyer, Jr. Gladys left state for a few years working as a waitress in Houston, Texas and Orlando, Florida. When she returned to New York she continued working for local restaurants such as Flo's Diner, the Oneida Hotel and the Spaghetti Factory. Later in life she was tired of working on her feet, so she started working for Madison County driving as a transporter. She loved her job, her coworkers and her clients. After 15 years of driving she retired. She remarried in 1981 to Walter G. Collins on October 16th, 1981, in Peterboro. Love, a sense of humor and commitment was the key to their long marriage. Gladys loved Jesus and was an active member of South Bay Chapel on Route 31 in Canastota, as a deaconess and a board member. She enjoyed garage sales, community events, cooking for her friends and family and making people laugh. Gladys was very busy visiting people in the hospital, cooking food for families in need, and being available any time to pray for people's needs. Surviving besides her husband, Walter, are: two daughter and sons-in-law, Wendy and William Hnatko of Solvay, and Sara and Tony Paredes of Canastota; four grandchildren, Alicia Anderson, and Ethan, Ellie, and Emberlyn Paredes; two great grandchildren, Dean and Layla Renshaw; two brothers and a sister-in-law; one sister; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Celebration of Gladys' life will be held at South Bay Chapel, 8954 Morris Road, Canastota. Scheduled services are for one day only, on Monday, September 10, 2018. Calling hours are 4-6 PM, with a memorial service and food to follow. The Reverend Tony Paredes will officiate. Arrangements are under the supervision of the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. J. HOMER BALL FUNERAL HOME, INC. Canastota, NY A Trust 100 Family Owned Funeral Home