CARY, NC – Gladys Alston Stratton, age 88, left the world on Saturday, November 5, 2016, in Cary, NC, to be with her Lord and Savior.

She was born April 4, 1928 in Bertie County, NC to Grover C. and Gladys Hoggard Alston.  Gladys was raised and attended school in Ahoskie, NC. She graduated from Ahoskie High School in 1947. She was married to Sammie Stratton of Ahoskie. Gladys was an active member of the Ahoskie United Methodist Church where she and her husband attended for over 60 years until she moved to Cary, NC to live near her beloved niece Vicky in a retirement community. Gladys worked for the Belk’s in Ahoskie for 47 years until her retirement as a buyer, sales associate, and supervisor. During her career she was recognized a number of times for her hard work and service to the Belk Company receiving many awards which she was very proud of.

Gladys was preceded in death by her beloved husband Sammie of 59 years, her parents, six brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include a sister, Lucille Hughson and her husband Robert of Hampton VA; a very dedicated niece Vicky Cross of Cary, NC; and several nieces and nephews around the country.

Graveside services will be held at the Stratton Family plot in the Ahoskie Cemetery on Thursday, November 10th at 1:00 pm, with Rev. Anita Thompson officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Ahoskie United Methodist Church.  Donations may be made online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search and type Gladys Stratton.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie is handling the arrangements for the Stratton family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.