Gladys Allen Kimbro

Gladys "Memaw" Allen Kimbro, age 82, of Buford, GA, passed away on May 8, 2018, surrounded by her family and friends. She was born on June 9, 1935, in Lawrenceville, GA, to Charles and Linnie Allen. Gladys was loving and kind. She always worked hard and never hesitated to help anyone in need. Cooking was a joy to her, and no one could rival her fried chicken. She married the love of her life, James Leon Kimbro, on August 19, 1955, and their marriage was a living testimony to everyone. She graduated from Dacula High School, began her job at Sears Roebuck in Atlanta in 1954, worked alongside her sister, Ruth, in Brown's Superette, and then worked in the cafeteria at Lanier Middle School. After retiring from the school system, she and her husband babysat children, but they were more like grandparents to the children, building loving, lasting relationships with them and their families. She had a strong faith, and looked forward to attending Sunday school each Sunday at First Baptist Buford, and loved serving on the greeting committee. She was an Elvis Presley fan to the core, and jumped at any opportunity to take a trip to Pigeon Forge to see her favorite Elvis impersonator, Lou Vuto. She was a loving wife for over 62 years, and the best momma and Memaw anyone could ever hope to have. Those who were blessed to know her will forever be inspired by her love for the Lord and her unconditional love for others. She is survived by her loving husband, James Leon Kimbro of Buford, GA; children: Sherri Vining, Linda (Gary) Chalacoff; grandchildren: Nicole (Johnathan) Whitlow, Taylor Nichols, Jacob Chalacoff, and Makayla Chalacoff; great grandchildren: Brylee Bailey; sister: Ruth Brown; In-laws: Ruby Mathis, Wilma (Jerry) Smith, Joann Kimbro and Lenora Allen; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Linnie Allen; Siblings/In-laws: Milford (Viola) Allen, L.C. Allen, Dorothy (Hoyt) Pirkle, Douglas Brown, Gene Kimbro and C.J. Mathis. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2018, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home in Buford, Ga. The family will receive guests on Wednesday, May 9 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and on Thursday from 12:30 - 2:00 pm at Flanigan Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in memory of Gladys Kimbro to: Hospice of Northeast Georgia, 2150 Limestone Pkwy. #222, Gainesville, GA 30501.