Gladys H. Blevins

Gladys H. Blevins, 94, of Lancaster died on “Love Morning” Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the Mount Joy Hospice Center following a six month illness. A resident of the West Willow area for nearly 75 years, she was a beautician, businesswoman, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and treasured member of a large family and wide circle of friends. Born in Christiana, she was the daughter of the late Milton Samuel and Martha Woerth Hornberger. She shared 52 years of marriage with the late Mack E. Blevins who died in 1993. A graduate of Christiana High School and the Lancaster Beauty Culture School, she and her husband lived briefly in Conestoga before settling in West Willow to start their businesses in 1948. She retired in 1995 after 45 years. She has been living at the Country Meadows Retirement Community since earlier this year. Beginning in 1953 through 2013, she spent most summers at her home in Charlestown, MD on the Chesapeake Bay. Her cottage was a special gathering place for families and friends. "Love Morning's" originated there when all the family, whether it was 4 or 14, would jump into bed with her for hugs and kisses. The tradition has provided the entire family with years of joy and laughter and, no doubt, will be continued for generations to come. She was a member of the Hamilton Park United Church of Christ and a longtime volunteer at the Lancaster General Hospital where she was recognized for completing 20,000 hours crocheting baby caps, blankets and lap robes for newborns and patients. She is survived by a son: M. Edward, husband of Sharon, Lancaster; two daughters: Gaye B. Cox, wife of Dennis, Conestoga and Audrey B. Benedum, wife of William, Lititz; and a brother: Robert Hornberger, husband of Diane, Christiana. She is also survived by three grandsons: Nathan Cox, Millersville, Matthew Blevins, Lancaster and Tyler Benedum, Philadelphia and three granddaughters: Tricia Blevins Evans, Lititz, Abigail Cox McConnell, Atlanta, GA and Martha Benedum Sharkey, Philadelphia as well as nine great grandchildren and innumerable friends. A funeral service will be held at Hamilton Park United Church of Christ, 1210 Maple Avenue, Lancaster at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 26, 2014 with the Rev. Catherine Shiley officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held at The Groffs Family Funeral Home, 528 W. Orange Street (corner of Orange and Pine Sts.), Lancaster, on Friday July 25th from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. and again at the church on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will take place at Middle Octorara Cemetery, Quarryville, PA. While flowers will be welcome, those seeking to make a more permanent memorial are asked to consider contributions to a very special family organization, TODAY is a GOOD DAY, 8607 Ellison Drive, Wynmoor, PA, 19038. This is a non-profit organization established in the memory of her great granddaughter, Mary Gladys Sharkey, to benefit the families of premature babies.

Gladys H. Blevins

July 21, 2014