Gladys Elaine Place

Gladys Elaine Place (Sherman), formerly of New Bedford, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at her home in Summerfield, Florida, on February 17, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on April 7, 1941, she was the beloved daughter of George and Agnes Sherman. Gladys was a devoted wife, caring mother, and loving grandmother (“Mema”). She centered her life around her family and will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and unwavering love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Agnes Sherman; her loving husband, Frank Elton Place; her siblings, Alice Mathias, Barbara Place, Margaret Pittsley, and George Sherman Jr.

Gladys was the cherished wife of the late Frank Elton Place. Together, they shared a devoted 42-year marriage and raised five children. She was a loving and dedicated mother to Dana; Jerry and his wife, Stacy Alpizar; Tony and his wife, Mary; Terry Place; and Cindy and her husband, Alex Hendricks.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Douglas Place and his wife, Cassandra; Amanda Alpizar and Cole; Allison Place; Brett and Skylar; Samantha; Holly and her husband, Brandon Steelman; Justin Spencer and his wife, Sarah; and David Hendricks.

Her great-grandchildren include Dylan, Scarlet, Nathan, and Clarissa; Adelynn and Oaklynn; Amari-Renee and Mikey; Kaitlynn, Cordelia, and Greyson; and Stella and Amelia.

Gladys is survived by her sister, Beverly, and her husband, Frederick Howe, along with many extended family members, including AJ Thornton, Gene and Terry Pittsley, and Dana Farber.

Visitation and Funeral Services will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home, 5946 SE Robinson Road, Belleview, Florida 34420, on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The visitation will begin at 10:30 am and the funeral service will follow at 11:30 am. Burial will take place at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513, with a committal service at 1:30 PM.

The family of Gladys Place wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services and Gentiva Hospice, especially her nurse Jackie and aid Keisha, for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Gladys Place, who faced Alzheimer’s with strength and grace (Donation Link:  https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/cindyhendricks).