Ila "Sue" Gladney

Ila “Sue” Gladney, age 91, passed away peacefully at her home in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, on July 29, 2026.

Sue was born on December 18, 1934, in Bristol, Wisconsin, to Laura and McDonough Richards. She grew up alongside four sisters and a brother. Sue later married Edwin Wayne Gladney, who preceded her in death in 1989.

Sue’s greatest pride and joy was her family. Her legacy of love will be deeply missed by her children and their families: Terry Higginbotham and her husband Vincent, along with their children Meredith, Vincent II, and Scott; Dean Gladney and his wife Karen, along with their children Carly, Kelly, and Casey; Bonnie Parker and her husband Loniss, along with their children Sean, Johnny, Amanda, and Prentiss; Lori Hall and her husband David, along with their son David II; Curt Gladney; and Michelle Jones and her husband Bobby, along with their children Alyvia, Ian, and Ronnie.

Sue found happiness in life’s simple moments. She loved cooking meals for her family, hunting for treasures at Saturday morning yard sales, trying her luck at the penny slots, beachcombing, and watching her favorite game shows. To Sue, these everyday routines were her expressions of love and joy.

Beyond her immediate family, Sue cherished her neighbors. She built lifelong friendships, some spanning more than 50 years. To Sue, these dear friends were family.

Sue was a woman of few words, but the love she showed spoke more than words ever could. That love will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and in the countless memories they will carry with them. She will forever be a part of the family she cherished so deeply.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lord is my Help.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior. 

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Sue Gladney.