Gladys Elizabeth Johnson Willey, 95 years old, passed away Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012. She was a 71 year resident of 302 Laws St., Bridgeville, but had been a resident of Genesis Health Care in Seaford since July 2011. Gladys was born March 19, 1916, the daughter of Bessie Sammons and Charles Marvel. She was adopted by Sarah Johnson of Greenwood, an angel in Gladys' time of need.

Gladys married Earl Curry Willey of Greenwood, on July 31, 1932, in Greensboro, Md. They were married for 75 years, until Earl's passing in 2007. Gladys was employed as a cashier at James Market on Market Street in Bridgeville for many years. She was also later employed at Sol Klein of Bridgeville. Gladys loved to read, Pearl Buck was one of her favorite authors. She also read the Bible many times as well as devotional books daily throughout her life. Gladys loved traveling and dining out. She liked being in the company of people and her family in particular.

She was a longtime member of Union United Methodist Church in Bridgeville. Gladys was a happy and fun loving person. Her devout religious beliefs sustained her through many trials. Gladys was preceded in death by her husband Earl Curry Willey, son-in-law Paul Hanby (Anna Mae)of Dover, DE and daughter in law Elizabeth Louise Tyler Willey (Harry Earl, Sr.) of Bridgeville, DE. She is survived by her oldest son, Harry Earl Willey Sr., and his children: Joan Willey Harper, Susan Willey Mills Rider (husband Robert), Harry Earl Willey Jr, Douglas Willey (wife Sandy) Eric Willey, daughter Anna Mae Willey Hanby and her children Paula Marsh, Hope Vaughn, Sheila Davalos, Paul Hanby, and Wayne Kevin Hanby; son, Jon Michael "Mike" Willey, his wife Ursula and their daughters Dawn Chism (husband David) and Heidi McDowell (husband Michael); son, Lester Harvey Willey, his wife Carol and their daughters Lisa Jefferson (husband Thomas) and Laura Willey. She is also survived by 27 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.