Miss Gladys Nixon

Gladys, the twin daughter of the late William and Alice Nixon, was born on December 8, 1941 at Tattymore, Rosslea. After attending Rosslea Primary School, Gladys remained at home to help on the family farm and in later years to help care for her parents and sister, Sheila. Gladys was an active member of Clogh Parish Church, enjoying fellowship and friendship through the badminton club and Girls’ Friendly Society.

The family moved to Ballinamallard in 1959, however, Clogh remained close to her heart until her death. Gladys embraced her new life in Ballinamallard and became an active member of Magheracross Parish Church where her deep faith was nurtured and grew. Gladys was a leader and subsequently Branch President in Magheracross Girls’ Friendly Society. She was an active member of the badminton club, bowling club, home group and prayer group and latterly joined the church choir. Gladys had a great interest in the work of the Healing Ministry.

Gladys’ devotion and commitment to the Girls’ Friendly Society are characterised by her 69 years of membership, having enrolled at the age of three. Gladys held the position of Diocesan President and attended All-Ireland committee meetings in Dublin. She attended Girls’ Friendly Society World Council on a number of occasions and hosted African delegates with whom she remained in contact.

In later life, Gladys developed an interest in baking and many people in the local community enjoyed a visit and the gift of a cake which reflected her genuine Christian care.

Gladys enthusiastically entered in the cookery and flower classes at Fermanagh Agricultural County Show, which culminated in her winning Champion Cake in 2013.

Gladys bore her short illness with the courage and dignity typical of her strong Christian faith, which sustained her to the end.

The largely attended funeral was testament to the high regard Gladys was held in by her friends, relatives and local community.

The funeral service was held in Magheracross Parish Church and was conducted by the Rev. Brian Harper. The Rev. William Nixon, Gladys’ nephew, gave the address and the Rev. Charles Eames led the prayers. The scripture readings were read by Mrs. Sylvia Quinn, the All-Ireland Girls’ Friendly Society President and by Mr. Jonathan Howe, Gladys’ nephew.

A guard of honour was formed by Girls’ Friendly Society leaders from throughout the Diocese and by girls from Magheracross Branch as the cortege left the church.

The hymns were “Jesus Calls Us O’er The Tumult,” “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and “Shall We Gather At The River”, all having had special significance in Gladys’ life.

Gladys was a devoted sister (and sister-in-law) to her brother Sammy (Olive) and sister Beryl (Niall). She was predeceased by her twin sister, Sheila and her older sister, Joyce. She is also survived by her nephews and nieces, David, Malcolm, Barbara, Kathryn, Heather, William, Tanya and Jonathan, and their families.

The funeral arrangements were by Funeral Directors, W.T. Morrison, Enniskillen.