Gladys Wassef

Gladys Rovene Wassef, age 92 of Houston, TX, formerly of Henry County, died Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at Silverado Hermann Park Memory Care Community in Houston.

Gladys started her career as a high school English teacher in Saint Louis.  Subsequently, she received her Master’s in English from Washington University and taught at Wayne State University and Millersville University.  In her final years of work, she opened Personnel Consulting Services which assisted with staffing and career development.  In retirement, she returned to substitute teaching in Atlanta, GA, then here in Paris.  She was a columnist for the Paris P-I, a member of the Pilot Club of Lancaster, and a member of New Bethel Church of Christ.

Gladys was a woman ahead of her time.  She received her master’s degree in English Literature at a time that only approximately 10% of post-graduate degrees were conferred on women.  She opened a business a few years after laws changed that allowed a woman to receive financing without the signature of a parent or spouse.  While she blazed a trail for many who followed, her most cherished roles were that of wife, mother, sister, and friend.  She loved well and left an inheritance of faith for her daughter and many others who loved her.

Gladys was born April 1, 1929, in Hardy, AR, to the late William Arthur Eastwood and the late Ethel Ettie Figgins Eastwood.

She was married July 31, 1965, to Wassef Youssef Wassef, who preceded her in death on December 19, 1972.

She is survived by one daughter, Mary Alice Wassef of Houston, TX; and nieces and nephews, Kennie Eastwood, James “Jimmy” Eastwood, Sarah Elizabeth “Beth” Santymire, James Arthur “Artie” Eastwood, and Robert William Sindorf.

In addition to her parents, and husband, she was also preceded in death by one sister, Sarah Jane Eastwood Sindorf; and two brothers, William James Eastwood, and John Richard Eastwood.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  Visitation will be Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with Charles Cate and Earl Santymire officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Earl Santymire, James Arthur “Artie” Eastwood, James “Jimmy” Eastwood and Robert William Sindorf.

Burial will be in Puryear City Cemetery in Puryear, TN