Gladys Mae Sink
Gladys Mae Sink, age 80, of Callaway, Virginia, and formerly of Rocky Mount, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Born on November 18, 1945, Mae was the daughter of the late Raymond Sink and Odessa Foster Carter Sink. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis Ann Sink Young and Bobby Allen Young; her sister, Reva Carter Scearce; and her nephew, Ethan Palmer Scearce.
Left to cherish her memory are her son and daughter-in-law, Raymond Keith and Stacey Bowles Sink of Callaway; her beloved grandchildren, Levi Jackson Sink, Olivia Rose Sink, and Jack Riley Sink; and her precious great-grandchildren, Clay, Emmy Mae, Anna, Audrey, and Rylan. She is also survived by her special “other kid,” John O’Neal, who held a special place in her heart.
Mae was a hardworking woman who spent most of her life employed in local factories, including Bassett Furniture, Lane Furniture, and Martin Processing, before retiring from MW Windows in Rocky Mount.
Outside of work, Mae found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved tending her garden, canning the fruits of her labor, and baking delicious homemade pies and cakes. She enjoyed shopping and was always delighted to find a good bargain. A talented and patient crafter, she spent countless hours embroidering and creating beautiful handmade quilts.
Above all else, Mae treasured her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable happiness. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved telling funny stories, and was always ready with a joke or a witty remark. Known for her independent spirit and her willingness to speak her mind, Mae never hesitated to tell you exactly what she thought—a quality that remained with her even as her health declined.
Following a debilitating stroke in 2022 that left her paralyzed on her left side, Mae spent nearly four years confined to her bed at Friendship Health and Rehab South. Though her body could no longer do the many things she once enjoyed, her personality, humor, and outspoken nature remained very much a part of who she was.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Friendship Health and Rehab South for the care and kindness shown to Mae throughout her stay. Special thanks are extended to Sonia, Jessica, Kayla, Christina, Cheyenne, Linda, and Ashley, whose compassion, patience, and thoughtful efforts to brighten her days meant more than words can express.
Mae will be remembered for her strong spirit, quick wit, hardworking nature, and, most of all, the love she had for her family. Her stories, laughter, and the many things she created with her own two hands will remain treasured memories for those who knew and loved her.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, located on Swenfield Road in Callaway, Virginia.
