Our beloved “Valentine Girl,” Gladys Mae Belew, passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 93, joining her devoted husband of 74 years, Charlie, whom we lost last May.

Always a head-turner with her beautiful blonde hair, porcelain complexion, and blue eyes, Gladys carried herself with grace and elegance throughout her life. She rarely left the house without just the right jewelry and her signature pink lipstick. Her favorite color was blue which was showcased in her wardrobe and home. But it was her gentle heart, unwavering faith, and deep love of family that truly defined her.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Valentine’s Day—February 14, 1933—Gladys Mae was the only daughter of Calvin Lavern “Vern” and Thelma E. Perry. She spent her early years outside Pittsburgh in Wilkinsburg and Allison Park. As a little girl, she often helped her parents in their food market, standing on a wooden crate so she could reach the register. It was early experience that would serve her well many years later when she became a trusted banker in Hollywood, Florida.

In 1951, when Gladys was a teenager, her family moved to Orlando, Florida. There she met a dashing young college student named Charlie Belew. Charlie knew Gladys had plenty of admirers among his classmates, so he wasted little time. He eloped with his beautiful 18-year-old bride—much to the dismay of her parents. Vern and Thelma, of course, soon came to love Charlie too.

After Charlie graduated from Rollins College, the young couple moved to Ohio to be near Charlie’s family and begin a family of their own. Gladys loved children deeply, and motherhood brought both the greatest joys and the deepest sorrows of her life. She and Charlie endured the heartbreaking loss of their infant son, Curtis Lee, at two months old, and later their daughter, Kimberly, at just six years old. Through unimaginable loss, Gladys’ faith and devotion to her family endured. Her children, Doug and Robin, were the light of her life. One of her greatest joys was watching them grow and being part of every chapter—from their weddings to the arrival of four grandsons, and then four great-grandchildren.

Charlie’s career eventually took the family to South Florida, where they would make their home for 41 years. In the early days, the family had just one car, so trips to the grocery store sometimes meant Gladys riding her bicycle with Robin in a bike seat and Doug pedaling alongside. As the children grew older, Gladys went to work at Hollywood Federal, where she became known as one of the most trusted bankers in the branch. She brought the same qualities to her work that she brought to everything else in life: warmth, dependability, kindness, and grace.

In 2004, Gladys and Charlie moved to Franklin, Tennessee, where they created a wonderful and active life surrounded by family and friends. Having Robin and her husband Jeff nearby was a special blessing. Robin treasured her afternoons with her mother and, with extraordinary devotion, lovingly managed her parents’ care during this final chapter of their lives.

Above all else, Gladys loved bringing her family together—and no time of year meant more to her than Christmas. She began shopping months ahead, carefully searching for just the right gifts for every person in the family. She would bake holiday cookies for days and fill cookie tins to the brim. Her spritz cookies are legendary and a cherished Belew tradition that is carried on by her children and grandchildren.

We love you, Mom. And every Christmas, there will always be spritz cookies.

Gladys is survived by her children Douglas Belew (Katie) and Robin Billings (Jeffrey); grandchildren Daniel Belew (Rene’), David Belew (Courtney), Gregory Billings (Draven Harrison), and Robert Billings (Elizabeth LeBleu); and great-grandchildren Charles, Eleanor, John Shepherd, and Mira. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles Lee, their two beloved children, Curtis and Kimberly Belew, and her parents Vern and Thelma Perry.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday August 29, 2026, at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin Tennessee with visitation beginning at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer's Association .