Gladys F. Avant, a long-time resident of Midwest City, OK passed away Saturday, May 5, 2012. She was 86 years old when she went home to be with the Lord. She was born to Ernest and Mellie (Free) Edwards in Thrift, TX. She was born into a family that eventually grew to 10 children. She married Wayne Avant on Feb. 14, 1948. To this union was born one daughter, Janelle Avant Evans and Randy Avant.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, Wayne Avant. She is survived by her daughter, Janelle Evans and husband Ron; one son, Randy Avant; 4 grandchildren, Mandi Maples, Angie Edwards, Candice Avant and David Avant and 1 great grand- daughter, Kaleigh Benton. She is also survived by 2 brothers, Raymond and Harry Edwards; 2 sisters, Becky Stringfellow and Naomi Cagle and other family, nieces, nephews and friends.
Gladys was an original Rosie the Riveter working for Douglas Aircraft Co before Tinker Air Force Base took over the 3001 aircraft building. She then went to work in the banking business finally retiring in 1989 from First National Bank of MWC, where she was head of the Proof Department. She loved to read and work Jigsaw and Word puzzles.
She was loved and will be greatly missed.