Gladys Mae Bynum, 98, of Fennville, MI passed away Sunday, August 4, 2019 at her home with family and friends by her side. Born May 10, 1921 in Marianna, Arkansas, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Queen Victoria (Scott) Franklin. She was the matriarch of the family and the oldest living survivor of twenty siblings. Gladys moved from Marianna, Arkansas to Detroit, Michigan in 1945.
Gladys was a devoted servant of Jehovah God and was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over seventy years. With a smile kind words, Gladys enjoyed and loved people. In turn, all who came into contact with her throughout the years loved her back. She was very open to talking to people and people felt just as comfortable in opening up to her. Not only did she open up her heart, but she literally opened up her home to many as well. Gladys was a jokester with a great sense of humor. She was not one to mince her words and she told you exactly what was on her mind. Gladys worked at Allegan Hospital. She was a foster parent to a few but a parental figure to hundreds. She enjoyed traveling inside and outside of the United States and also enjoyed dressing to the T.
Gladys is survived by her son, Robert N. Hearn; eldest granddaughter, Tasha Tyler; four grandsons Anthony, Jeffrey, Christopher and Spencer Flournoy; and three additional granddaughters; her sisters, Eonia Smith, Ora Gibson and Shariotta Hackney; special niece, Rudeine Flournoy; special nephew, Rudolph Franklin; and numerous other nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, great-nieces and nephews and extended family members and friends.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert Hearn and Conie Bynum; and sixteen siblings.
The family of Gladys Bynum wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Life Circles of Holland, MI for her exceptional care.
We saw you getting tired, and saw you fading fast, your days of pain, suffering and sleepless nights are now a thing of the past.
Gladys was affectionately known to her family as “Ainnee”. We are happy that your worn-out frame has found rest at last. You will be sincerely missed.
“From the family and friends.”
The family of Gladys Bynum acknowledges with sincere appreciation all of the act of kindness shown at this time.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 1:00 PM at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2199 Taft Road, Allegan, MI 49010. A reception will follow.
