Gladys Marie (Bowen) Ensling

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Mema, and great-Mema – Gladys Marie Bowen Ensling – on December 11, 2024 at the age of 77. Gladys was a three-decade long breast cancer survivor, but after a courageous battle with lung cancer, she peacefully passed away surrounded by her family.

Gladys was born on September 23, 1947 in Lakeland, Florida to Joyce Oveida Tyer Bowen and James Vernon Bowen. Gladys – better known as Mema – was a person of incredible strength, warmth and kindness. She dedicated her life to her family – creating a home filled with love, laughter, and a lifetime of memories. Her nurturing spirit and dedication to her family and friends left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

A woman of strong faith and resilience, Gladys fought her illness with dignity, grace and determination. Even on her weakest days she continued to be a beacon of light for her family, especially her soulmate –John.Helping others was a second nature to her – she helped many people in her 25-year career at Winn Army Hospital on Ft. Stewart, Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her parents – Joyce and James Bowen, her daughter – Anna Wells Huerd, her siblings – James Bowen and Velma Moore, her dear friend and first husband – William Wells. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of forty years, John P. Ensling, Jr. – better known as “Big John” or “Papa” to those that know him, her children - Eddie (Lori) Wells and Doug Wells, her grandchildren - Leah Coleman, Ashley Huerd, Edward (Hayley) Wells, Jr., Brandi (Patrick) Eastlake, Jonah Solomon, Noah Solomon, Sarah Washington, Lily-Ann Huerd and James Wells , her most precious treasures – her great-grandchildren – Bryson, Zayne, Jackson, Brayden, Elliott and Charlotte, her siblings – Melvin, Debbie, Jerry, Wanda and Lana, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends and family members. As Gladys passes on, she will be reunitedwith her beloved companions – Smokey & Sammy –who were always by her side, offering love and loyalty until the very end.

Gladys will be remembered for her deep love for her family, her passion for her fight to help the Veterans of our armed forces, and her kind heart. She never met a stranger and touched the lives of so many. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11).

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 16th, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home in Flemington, Georgia with Pastor Mike Cowart officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the local Hinesville Chapter – #46 – of DAV (Disabled American Veterans) – PO Box 673 Hinesville, GA 31310-0673.

Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.

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