Gladys Irene Hale Massey

Gladys Irene Hale Massey, 97, born on Sept. 2, 1910, passed away Aug. 25 at Russellville Healthcare, Russellville. Massey was an elementary teacher who taught 42 years in the Russellville City Schools, the Sheffield City Schools, the Franklin County Schools, the Cullman County Schools and Chicago Public Schools. In the course of her career, she earned an enduring reputation as one of the Shoals area?s most effective reading teachers and is remembered for the generosity and special care shown to disadvantaged students. She has frequently been described by many former students as the best teacher they ever had. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization of women educators. She was a graduate of Florence State Teachers College (now the University of North Alabama), working for years to obtain her degree. Later she commuted to Nashville over weekends and summers to earn her master?s in elementary education from George Peabody Institute, now a part of Vanderbilt University, teaching evening courses to World War II veterans to support her efforts. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clint and Lorena Hale; brothers Guy, Roy and Gresham Hale; sister, Ruby Langcuster; and husband, John Belton Massey, a former teacher, Franklin County Schools superintendent and municipal judge. She is survived by nephews James C. Langcuster Sr.; Athel Glenn Hale; nieces Sherry Whitehead, Nancy Kelley, Pat Stevenson and Jean Goodson; and grandnephews Jim Langcuster and John Langcuster. Visitation is Saturday, Aug. 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Spry Funeral Home in Russellville, followed by a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Franklin Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will include Brian Pace, Brent Pace, David Hester, Stratt Byars, III, Grant Atkins and Dr. John Evans. Honorary pallbearers include all of the surviving teachers who worked with Massey during her 42-year career. The family thanks the Senior Ministry Committee of Russellville First United Methodist Church, whose members visited Massey diligently, bringing love, friendship and hope. The family expresses special thanks to Rev. Clinton Busler , who frequently administered communion to the deceased, his wife Mary Ann, and Rev. Allen Beasley, FUMC senior minister. Thanks also to the staffs of Country Cottage, Russellville Healthcare and Wiregrass Hospice for their unfailing dedication and care. May God?s tender mercies follow you wherever you go.

Gladys Irene Hale Massey

September 2, 1910 - August 25, 2008

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