Gladys Sophie Gorubec Parker

Gladys Sophie (Gorubec) Parker entered eternal rest on March 15, 2024. She was born December 2, 1934 on the family farm in Granger, TX to Hubert Gorubec and Elsie Kurecka Spinn. Gladys grew up in Granger, where she met the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Charles (“Charlie”) Parker. They married September 6, 1954, at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Granger, and soon after, moved to California where they stayed until the completion of Charlie’s Naval career. The couple moved back to Central Texas and settled in Austin, where they began their family. Gladys and Charlie raised three children, Vickie, Allan (“Frog”), and Sabrina, in Austin, before moving to Pflugerville in 1978. They owned and operated Charlie’s Steakhouse for 40 years. Gladys enjoyed socializing with customers and made many life-long friends while waiting tables. In their free time, she and Charlie traveled the United States, driving thousands of miles to countless destinations. When she was not working, Gladys enjoyed sewing, crocheting, cooking, baking, and tending her flowers. She was the rock of her continuously growing family an will truly be missed by many.

Gladys is survived by her daughters Vickie (Rick) Thornton and Sabrina (Robert) Schmidt; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Parker; eight grandchildren and their spouses, Christie (John) Reyes, Eric (Laura) Smith, Christopher (Janna) Parker, Lance (Rachael) Thornton, Ross (Heidi) Thornton, Stephanie (Gene) Shaw, Chase (Kayde) Parker, and Jenna (Rodney) Hardin; sixteen great-grandchildren, Jaida, Kilee, Tye, Paeton, Chloe, Cooper, Colton, Brooklyn, Hanna, Hayden, Corbin, Parker, Cate, Neil, Rhett, and Reagan; recently welcomed great-great-grandson, Gavin; sister, Shirley Davidson; sisters-in-law, Hazel Drane, Peanut (Doug) Martinets, and Carol (Carlos) Vaca; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and bonus son, Bob Cocke.

Gladys is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Charles Parker Sr.; son, Charles Allan Parker Jr.; parents, Hubert Gorubec and Elsie Kurecka Spinn; parents-in-law, Les and Lena Parker; step-father, Elton Spinn; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; and great-grandson, Carter Smith.

Pallbearers will be Gladys' grandsons and Bob Cocke; honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandsons and great-great grandson.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Mary’s School Trust Fund, 408 Washburn, Taylor, TX 76574.