Gladys Mae Pinnick-Hayes

Gladys Pinnick-Hayes stepped into glory Monday 18, 2020. She was born January 19, 1931, the eldest of 14 children to the late Charles Cox and Mayme Pinnick McCain in Braidwood, Illinois.

Gladys attended Reed Custer Township High School graduating in 1949.

Gladys was employed at the Joliet Arsenal Department of Corrections and Department of Children and Family Services and retiring from Commonwealth Edison. After retirement she was asked and accepted the position of Church Secretary at Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she served faithfully.

Gladys accepted Christ at 2nd Baptist Church in Braidwood, IL. In October of 1966 she joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she faithfully attended until her transition. She served as Mt. Zion’s announcement clerk for 25 years. Also, the Church Clerk for many years and was one of the first choir directors assigned by the Music Ministry. In conjunction with Christ Pantry she along with Barbara Williams collected and distributed clothing to those in need. In her late 40’s early 50’s she played with the Mt. Zion Women’s Softball Team. Affectionately called “Big Brid”. Gladys loved her church and was called Mama Gladys, Aunt Gladys, or Granny by the young and old.

Gladys was an avid bowler; she began bowling in 1950 and continued until 2010. During he bowling career she held the title of top black female bowler in the Joliet area for many years. She accomplished the cherished position of being elected to the Joliet Area Queen Court. 

Gladys is preceded in death by her grandparents, Herbert and Ida Pinnick who raised her; her parents; three brothers, Abraham Sommerville, Herbert and Nelson McCain; sister, Ida Fisher; son, David Graham; and infant grandson, James. 

Gladys leaves in the hands of God to cherish her memories: her loving children, Douglas, Lawrence (JoAnn) of California, William, LuAnn both of Joliet, IL, Markus of Texas, Reginald (Eloise) of Romeoville, IL, and adopted son, Robert Jordan of Joliet, IL; sisters, Emma Ezell (Xavier), Mary Alice King (James) of Joliet, IL, Martha Duria (Clifton Sr.) of California, Charlene Jones of Fort Wayne, IN, Bettye Arnold (James) of Georgia and Mayme Woods-Young (Timothy) of Louisville, KY; brothers, Richard (Shirley) of Cleveland, OH, David (Sheri Lee) of Joliet, IL, and Charles (Dora) of Rockdale, IL; brother-in-law, Michael Fisher; sisters-in-law, Laura McCain and Lenola Sommerville; Aunts Mary Martha Thompson; 18 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Special friends, Barbara Williams, James Brown and Terry Winfrey, and her Cousin Pam Humphrey who affectionately called her Aunt Gladys; three special granddaughters, Nija Hill, Melissa Hammond and Ashley Hill; also special thanks to Kaylyn Jones who works at Silver Cross Hospital during this pandemic, was able to see Granny as she affectionally called her in the hospital.

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