Gladys Costner Spencer, 96, of Hickory, passed away with her loving family by her side on Saturday March 21, 2026, at Trinity Ridge Medical Park, after a period of declining health.

Mrs. Spencer was born July 28, 1929, in Burke County, a daughter of the late Jake and Annie Brittain Costner. She was a faithful member of Hildebran United Methodist Church, serving as a member of the Methodist Women and as a Sunday School teacher. Gladys was retired as owner and operator along with her husband of Spencer’s Grocery Store. She also worked as a fabric sewer in the furniture industry.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Ray S. Spencer and a brother, Julius Costner.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Michael Ray Spencer (Brenda) of Hickory, a daughter, Iona Patricia Annas (Terry) of Hickory and a brother, Clifford Costner (Barbara) of Hickory. Also surviving are the apples of her eye, her grandchildren, Greg Padgett, Susan McVey, Amber Spencer, Avis Pritchard and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Gladys Costner Spencer will be held at 12:00 P.M. Wednesday March 25, 2026, in the Hildebran United Methodist Church, with John Sanders and Rev. Larry Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in the Faith Olive Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10:45 A.M. until 11:45 A.M. at Hildebran United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to the Hildebran United Methodist Church P.O. Box 721, Hildebran, N.C. 28637.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.