Gladys was born February 7, 1920 in Wehadkee, AL to the parentage of Jimmy Green and Leola Ferrell. She confessed Christ at an early age and joined Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church. Upon moving to Anniston, she joined the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and later became a charter member of the Greater Calvary Baptist Church and remained a dedicated member until her death.

Gladys attended public school at Wehadkee Elementary School. She graduated from Randolph County Training School, Class of 1938. She worked at Brecon in Talladega during World War II. She retired from First United Methodist Church in 2009.

Gladys was united in holy matrimony to Matthew Elston Sr. in 1954. She was a long-time member of the Five Roses of Sharon, a gospel singing group.

She leaves to cherish her memories: one loving daughter, Joan F. Everett; three sons, Connie F. Longshore, Kenneth L. (Shirley) Elston and Jerry (Barbara) Lawler; one brother, Dover (Carol) Ferrell; three grandchildren, Roderick Everett, Jabari Phillips and Shemar Phillips; two great-grandchildren, Daesha Truss and Natalie Matheley; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Gladys was preceded in death by: her husband, Matthew Elston, Sr.; two sons, Matthew Elston, Jr and Charles M. Elston; and her sister, Mary Jim Barkley.