Gladys Sparks Tipton

October 22, 1948 - September 20, 2017

Gladys Sparks Tipton, age 68, of Erwin, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 after an extended illness. Gladys was a daughter of the late R. C. Griffith and the late Nancy Cutshall Griffith. She was a fighter and a strong, independent, family woman who loved watching her grandchildren play ball. She enjoyed working puzzles and spending time with her family. Gladys was a seamstress at Industrial Garment for 15 years, as well as a cook at the hospital for 10 years. She was a member of West Park Street Free Will Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Gladys is preceded in death by her husband, Carse Darrell Tipton; brother, J.C. Sparks; Sisters: Atlas McInturff, Francis Hardin, Bernice Ambrose, Novella Howell, JoAnne Harris, Joyce Lloyd and Judanne Sparks. Gladys Sparks Tipton leaves behind to cherish her memory: Daughter: Rana Bennett and husband Michael, of Unicoi; Son: Daniel Tipton and wife Tasha, of Erwin; Grandchildren: Mikayla Bennett, of Erwin; Skylar Tipton, of Erwin; Several nieces and nephews also survive. The family would like to offer special thanks to Mountain States Hospice and the Center on Aging and Health in Erwin. The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Gladys Sparks Tipton in a funeral service to be held at 8:00 PM, Friday, September 22, 2017 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. Reverend Bernie Jones and Bishop John Edwards will officiate. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 7:00 PM, and will continue until service time. A committal service will be held Saturday, September 23, 2017, at 10:00 AM in Evergreen Cemetery. Those attending will meet at Valley Funeral by 9:30 AM on Saturday to go in procession. Pallbearers will be Chris Campbell, Justin Hughes, Chris Hughes, Jason Campbell and Scotty Bennett. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Gladys Tipton through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.