Gladys Narron Alford- Born Nov. 19, 1936 in Johnston County, NC
- Died Oct. 6, 2008 in Rocky Mount, NC
- Married Billy Wilbert Liles on Mach 4, 1953, in Johnston County, NC
Gladys Narron Alford|
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| Gladys' children with Billy Wilbert Liles |
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| David Wilbert Liles April 24, 1957 Nash, NC-Sept. 18, 2016 |
| Diane Alford McConnell Jan. 15, 1960 Nash, NC-Feb. 20, 2024 |
Gladys Narron Alford, daughter of Annie Bailey and Willard Narron, was born on Nov. 19, 1936, in Johnston County, N.C.
Gladys grew up attending Stancil's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church.
Gladys' life changed dramatically on a hot July summer day in 1951 when she was 14. Annie and Willard had almost finished barning tobacco. Gladys, just 14, was in the house with 1-year-old Willis. Just before Annie left the house, she told Gladys to stay with Willis, who was napping until he woke up and then to bring him to the barn.
Annie's parting words were "I want you to always look out for him."
The sky darkened, and Gladys was alarmed. She scooped up Willis and carried him towards the barn. It started raining. Ahead of her was Annie standing at the tobacco racks still handing sticks of tobacco to the children. Willard was in the tobacco barn handing up the sticks. Suddenly Gladys was knocked down with Willis still in her arms. Willis was unhurt, but Gladys' legs turned bright red. A lightning bolt hit Annie, killing her instantly.
Her siblings included Bruce Narron and wife Judy; Rexall Narron; Ella Narron Everett and husband Bob; Wallace Narron; Evonne Narron; and Willis Narron and wife Elaine.
Gladys, along with Ella, filled their mother's shoes. Attending school was difficult with so many other responsibilities. Finally, Gladys was forced to drop out. Many were amazed and proud when, at 65, Gladys earned her GED.
On Sundays, her father would take the children to visit Esker, their aunt. From there, they would either walk to church or were taken in a car. She met Billy Wilbert Liles at the Union Hall Baptist Church. Gladys and Billy had an immediate attraction.
In 1953, Gladys quit school in 10th grade and married Billy in Dillon, South Carolina.
They moved in with his sister in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Billy worked in the cotton mill, and Gladys worked at Burlington Mill until they closed. They had one son, David Wilbert Liles, born April 24, 1957, in Nash County, NC. Gladys and Billy had one daughter, Teresa Diane, born Jan. 15, 1960.
They divorced March 4, 1963.
Gladys knew Bill Leroy Alford from a local restaurant. They were married April 23, 1966, by a justice of the peace.
Gladys was very smart and was soon working in the office at Burlington Industries, a position she held for 20 years. After Gladys retired, she and Ella, who shared a love of wood crafts, now had time to be creative together.
Gladys was a blond, but after getting cancer and having chemotherapy, her hair came back black and then changed to brown. Gladys successfully won a battle against lymphoma, but she also struggled against lung and uterine cancers.
Gladys treasured her mother's Singer treadle sewing machine. Annie taught Gladys to sew on it, a skill she shared with Ella. Over the years, Gladys made beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren. Annie also taught Gladys how to embroider, a skill Gladys used to embellish pillowcases and other handwork.
Ella shared a special bond with Gladys; this started when they were young girls sitting in the porch swing singing. Over the years, their love and friendship grew. Ella treasures the memories only sisters can share.
One unique memory was the day Gladys and Ella, with their Dad's help, made the banana cake so often made by their Mother. It remains a family favorite along with Annie's banana pudding.
Gladys died at 71 on Oct. 6, 2008, at Nash Medical Center in Rocky Mount, after battling cancer for several years.
Gladys is buried at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
Her husband of 42 years Bill Alford passed away less than a year later on April 12, 2009, in Rocky Mount.
Of her siblings, Bruce died Sept. 7, 2024; Rex died May 2, 2002; Wallace died Jan. 18, 1997 and Evonne died on the day of her birth Sept. 11, 1944.
Gladys will be remembered for her positive outlook, keeping her Mother's memory alive for her younger siblings, and preserving family heirlooms. Among them were her mother's bonnet with cardboard supports, her apron, and a pair of beautiful embroidered pillowcases, too pretty to use.
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil