Gladys Lucille Allen

Gladys Lucille Allen passed away on January 15, 2026, at the age of 89. She was born on March 28, 1936, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Estell Mae Warren.

Gladys accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Cathedral of Deliverance, a non-denominational church where she sang joyfully in the choir. Her faith was an important part of her life and guided the way she loved and cared for others.

She was a loving, generous, and caring woman who was always willing to help those around her. Gladys truly loved people and thrived in their company. Wherever she went, her presence was felt—not because she sought attention, but because her spirit, style, and personality naturally made her the life of the party.

Known for always being impeccably dressed, Gladys believed in looking her best at all times. She adored flashy outfits, especially when paired with a perfectly matched hat—the flashier, the better. Her son Nathan often joked that she expected the same level of polish from those around her: clothes pressed, no wrinkles allowed. If someone wasn’t dressed properly, Gladys would be embarrassed to be seen with them and might not even look their way.

Her dedication to appearance never wavered. The family fondly recalls that even while hospitalized for surgery, Gladys insisted on having her wig brushed and styled before seeing her husband—she simply would not allow him to see her without it.

Gladys’s outgoing nature and sense of humor were just as memorable as her fashion. Her granddaughter Natalie fondly remembers taking her to “Senior Proms” and teasing her upon drop-off, saying, “Now Grandma, don’t come back with no boys.” Gladys would always laugh and reply, “Girl, them boys don’t even have enough money to buy me an ice cream!”

She loved shopping, especially at thrift stores, where she had an uncanny talent for finding luxury brands that would normally cost a fortune—yet she’d walk out having paid only a few dollars. Gladys also loved to dance, and she took great joy in moving to the music, laughing, and enjoying herself wherever she went. She cherished going out with friends, enjoying good company, dancing, laughter, and being out on the town.

Although many knew her as a grandmother, she insisted otherwise. She would proudly say, “I’m not old enough to be a grandmother yet,” and instead requested that everyone lovingly call her “Honey”—a name that perfectly matched her warm and sweet spirit.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Allen; her son, Norman G. Nero Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Shirley Nero; and her grandson, Norman G. Nero III, all of Oklahoma City.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her sons, George W. Brown Jr., Nathan Q. Nero Sr., and Claudie A. Brembry; her daughter-in-law, SheRri Nero (widow of Norman G. Nero Jr.); her grandchildren, Nikita (James) Savage, Natalie (Steve) Smith, Nathan Nero Jr., Deontae Stevenson, and Noah Nero; her granddaughter-in-law, Brandi Nero (widow of Norman G. Nero III); her great-grandchildren, James Savage, Angelina Savage, Xavier Savage, Aleezah Savage, Presliey Harrison, Stormy Smith, Steve P. Smith Jr., Zoie Smith, Nyana Nero, NaJon Nero, Dion Stevenson, Noriah Nero, and Seth Nero, all of Oklahoma City; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Gladys Lucille Allen will be remembered for her loving heart, her generosity, her unmistakable style, and the joy she brought to everyone she encountered. Her legacy lives on in the memories, laughter, and love she shared so freely.

Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Oklahoma Cremation Centers. Friends and family may leave condolences and kind words of comfort at www.OklahomaCremationCenters.com