Gladys Morris, 84, was born April 30, 1932 in Marthaville, Louisiana and went home to be with the lord on October 28, 2016. She was born to Haywood and Suzi Wallace, who both preceded her in death. She was one of nine children born to that union. Gladys was educated in the Natchitoches Parris school district of Marthaville, Louisiana. She gave birth to her first daughter, Alice Journet, then later met and married Elbert Garner, Sr. To that union three children were born, Elbert Jr., Brenda and Roger. Gladys relocated to Kansas City at a young age, continuing her education in early childhood development. She later married Robert Morris and to this union five children were born, Sheila, Robbie, Teressa, Shawn and David. She was also step-mother to Teresita, Judy, Bobby and Ronnie. Gladys accepted God as her personal savior at a young age and after moving to the Kansas City area, she joined the Faith Mission Church of God in Christ. She was a devoted faithful member serving under the leadership of the late Elder Hubert Lambert and was an active member who served on the nurse's board. After the death of Elder Lambert, Gladys joined Pentecostal Church of God and Christ under the leadership of the Bishop Daniel M. Jordan. She was a valued faithful member here as well, also serving on the nurse's board. Gladys was a trailblazer in business and used her brilliant mind to open the first black owned business, Kiddie Kare daycare, in Raytown, Missouri. She was instrumental in the early education of hundreds of young minds in the greater Kansas City area. Gladys was a true entrepreneur. She was a fabulous cook, eventually opening a catering business where she catered functions for some of Kansas City's elite. Gladys also began a janitorial business and thrived in that business as well. Gladys was a strict, Christian mother who raised her children with great morals and values. She passed along to all of them an entrepreneurial ambition that they all benefit from today. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Haywood and Suzi Wallace; five siblings, Mattie, Gertie, Atlean, Hattie and Ernest; daughter, Brenda Dowdell; step daughter, Teresita Morris; sons-in-law, Paul Dowdell and Scott Smith; daughter-in-law, Regina Morris; and granddaughter, Varranthia Journet. Gladys' memories will continue to live on in the hearts of her children, Alice Journet (Howard) of Houston, TX, Elbert Garner, Jr. of Shreveport, LA, Roger Garner (Sandy) of Grandview, MO, Robbie Morris (Deanna) of Kansas City, MO, Sheila V. Morris-Smith of Independence, MO, Teressa Morris (Earl) of Lee's Summit, MO, Shawn Morris of North Carolina and David Morris Las of Vegas, NV. She will also be mourned and missed by her brother, Herman Wallace; sisters, Lertie Richardson and Nettie Jackson; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be Friday, November 4, 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Church International. Interment Brooking Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.