Gladys Lenore Colebank

May 25, 1925 - October 29, 2018

Gladys Lenore Colebank was born premature on May 25, 1925 weighing in at a whopping pound and a half. She never got much bigger, standing only 4'11", but she was a giant among women. Despite having cerebral palsy, she worked at Charleston Newspapers for 36 years, helped raise several children, and traveled regularly. Gladys's crocheting and quilting skills couldn't be beat. Except maybe by her baking; she made delicious apple dumplings, pies, and cookies. No pot of beans was complete without her corn bread. Gladys loved the Mountaineers and cheered them on from her recliner at every opportunity. She was technologically advanced for her age spending hours each day playing games on her iPad and reading books she downloaded herself. Her smile was infectious, her laughter contagious. The last several years of her life were spent homebound in the company of her niece and steadfast caregiver, Renee Reedy. No one has ever been loved more or better cared for than Gladys, thanks to Renee. She was devoted to providing comfort and happiness. Gladys died with Renee at her side. Holding her other hand was her niece Sian. Some say Sian was her favorite, but we don't have to spread that around. Preceding Gladys in death were her parents, Nettie and Harry Colebank, her brothers Bob, Marshall, and Walter. She was preceded by a special Aunt, Myrtle Mollohan. In addition to a host of nieces, nephews, and friends, left to cherish her memory are her cousin, Mike Carpenter; nephews, Marshall Colebank, Jr., Mike Reedy; her nieces Renee Reedy, Sian Boggess (Larry), and Kayla Keeney. Gladys would also want to mention her very special friend, Jennie Dilcher who loved her and provided comic relief. A special thank you to Dr. Julie DeTemple. Gladys called her Julie and trusted her completely. Dr. DeTemple was compassionate and really went the extra mile for Gladys. Dr. DeTemple's nurse Rose Hughes and phlebotomist Deidre Thompson are also much appreciated. We'd also like to recognize Susan at Hubbard Hospice House. She has truly found her calling. Services have been entrusted to Cunningham Parker & Johnson Funeral Home who has served the Colebank Family for years. Friends may visit on Thursday, November 1 starting at noon with service at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hubbard Hospice House. Hospicecarewv.com The family will accept online condolences at: cpjfuneralhome.com Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the Colebank Family.