Our beloved Gladys DeZalia, age 89, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 26, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family after a long hard-fought health battle.

Born on August 31, 1933, in Surry County, Gladys was the daughter of the late Robert and Liller York Puckett.  The family relocated to the Sandhills when Gladys was a young child where she grew into the loving, caring, and generous person we all know and love.  Her biggest joys in life were her family, friends, and Muffin – her beloved Yorkie.  She treasured her time gardening, preparing and sharing homemade meals, and helping others.  She cherished the success she shared with her husband working side by side at their Phillips 66 Station, relationships she developed through 30 years at CCNC Golf Course, the Peddler Steakhouse, and her membership and treasured relationships at First Baptist Church of Aberdeen.  

Gladys is survived by her daughter: Beverly DeZalia Leath of Southern Pines;  daughter in law: Bonnie Strother;  stepson: Martin DeZalia;  grandchildren: Brian McCoy, Loren Strother Lawson, Nina Strother Mitchell, Justin and Jacob Leath, Michael Hall, and James and Chris Gruzeski;  and great-grandchildren: Savannah Lawson, Malcolm McCoy, Vega McCoy and numerous friends and loved ones.

In addition to her parents, Gladys was preceded in death by her husband: Clarence DeZalia;  two sons: Ricky and Mickey Strother;  two step-daughters: Caroline Hall, Sandra Gruzeski;  and five siblings: Jack, Pearl, Vestal, Ray, and Russell Puckett.

Graveside services will be at 4PM June 11th in the Pinelawn Cemetery.

Condolences may be shared directly to the family home or through Powell Funeral Home at www.PinesFunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Homebound ministry at First Baptist Church of Aberdeen at 700 N. Sandhills Blvd., Aberdeen, NC 28315.

Powell Funeral Home is honored to serve the DeZalia family.

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