It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Gladys M. Vance Sullivan. Gladys entered heaven's gates on January 24, 2017 at Meritus Medical Center, Hagerstown. Born on May 4, 1937, in Hagerstown, MD, she was the daughter of William and Elva May Wilson Vance. She graduated from Hagerstown High School in 1955. After marrying and starting a family, she returned to school to accomplish her dream of becoming a teacher. She attended Hagerstown Junior College (now HCC) where she earned an Associate degree in 1973, followed by Shepherd College (University) where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1974, and lastly, Shippensburg University where she earned a Master's degree in Education in 1978. Gladys taught elementary school for 30 years in the Washington County Public School System. She taught at Funkstown, Bester, Eastern, and Williamsport Elementary. She was passionate about family, education, and the Lord. She lived her life setting goals and making plans. After retiring from the school system she graduated in May 2006 with a certification in church leadership from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. She also attended classes at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, PA. She was a Lay Speaker in local churches. With her inquisitiveness she enjoyed lifelong learning with many interests, such as "Disciple" courses, Dale Carnegie Leadership training, and classes at the Academy for Lifelong Learning at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michael's, MD. She was a member of the Hagerstown Aviation Museum and the Retired Teachers Association. During her children's childhood, she was a Cub Scout Pack Leader and a Brownie Scout Leader. She and her husband, Kevin, square danced for many years with the Westernaires Club. She enjoyed traveling and family trips to Myrtle Beach. Her favorite place to enjoy God's handiwork was at Tilghman Island, MD, along the Chesapeake Bay. She also expressed her patriotism for America proudly. She had a strong faith and loved studying the Bible daily She traveled to Israel in 1999 and was baptized in the Jordan River. Her family are extremely proud of her accomplishments, enthusiasm for life, and her dedication to family and friends. Gladys is survived by her husband of 59 years, 7 months, Kevin Sullivan, whom she married on June 14, 1957. She is also survived by two children: her son, Matthew Sullivan and his wife, Suzanne, of Boonsboro, MD, and her daughter: Dawn Sullivan Gipe and her husband, Timothy, of Greencastle, PA. She is also survived by two grandchildren: Kalina Gipe and Zandra Sullivan. Additional survivors are one sister, Claudine Harbaugh, and three brothers, Charles (Pal) Vance, Richard Vance, and Ronald (Lee) Vance, all of Hagerstown. She is also survived by in-laws, Xandra Lou and Ben Werthan of Madison, CT, William and Sally Sullivan of South Port, NC, and Gregory and Vicky Sullivan of Funkstown. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Madeline Keeney, Marjorie Slusher, Sondra Vance, Vanna Hartman, and Donna Kennedy, and three brothers, William Vance, Steven Michael Vance, and Philip Vance. Gladys will be remembered for her love of the Lord, her enthusiasm, and passion for her family. The family will receive friends Friday, January 27, from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm at Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Blvd., Hagerstown, MD. Services will be Saturday, January 28, at 10:00 am at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 802 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown, MD. The Rev. Randy Reid will officiate. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Hagerstown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Emmanuel U.M. Church. A verse that Gladys believed and lived was 1 Timothy 6:12: "Fight on for God. Hold tightly to the eternal life which God has given you."