Gladys M. Carty

Gladys Mae Carty (Born: Gladys Mae Fulcher) was born April 2, 1943 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Gladys was the first of ten children born to Tommy and Betty Fulcher. Gladys left Oklahoma in 1946 and moved to San Diego, California with her parents and brother Tommy Fulcher Jr. This young family initially settled in Point Loma where Gladys attended elementary school. Shortly after, the family moved to South San Diego (Otay Mesa Community) where she continued her elementary (Montgomery Elementary) and high school (Castle Park High School) education. In 1958, Gladys parents (Tommy and Betty Fulcher) separated and Gladys moved back to Oklahoma with her mother and younger sister.

In Oklahoma, Gladys attended Douglas High School and then shortly after enrolled in cosmetology school to prepare for a career utilizing her creativity. In 1960, she gave birth to her first child Christopher, while continuing to work in her chosen field. Gladys then had her second child Allison in 1968. Gladys returned to California in 1971 and settled in North San Diego County where she resided for the past 40 years. Gladys married Lance Corporal Carty, who was a member of the United States Marine Corps in 1977. After her career in cosmetology, Gladys ran a successful daycare between 1981-1983. Eventually, Gladys found a new career as a caregiver and worked in caregiving for over 30 years.

As a child, Gladys demonstrated her creativity and developed many adventurous activities for the growing Fulcher family. She showed signs of keen intuition at an early age, which served her well throughout her life. She always assisted her mother in caring for her younger sisters and brothers. One of the major aspects of Gladys life was her unselfish sacrifice to help her family in a time of need. She set aside her own desires and dream to help raise her brothers and sisters.

The people Gladys cared for loved her for her ability to resolve complicated issues using her intuition and wisdom. She was loved by many and was a person of integrity who always showed compassion and empathy. Her love for the Lord, and compassion for others knows no bounds. 

Gladys Mae Carty passed away on October 3, 2021, peacefully in her home in Oceanside, CA. She was comforted with love by her daughter. A beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, dear friend and devoted caregiver. Through her strength, courage, and extraordinary heart, she was an inspiration and role model to all, Gladys was deeply loved and will truly be missed.

Gladys is preceded in death by: Son: Christopher, Parents: Tommy Sr. and Betty Fulcher, Brother: Tommy Jr. Sisters: Wanda, Debra, Linda and Pam.

She leaves to cherish her memories: Daughter: Allison (Darrell), Brothers: Paul, Mark, Nolan, Monroe and Bertrand Sisters: Hazel, Yolanda and Joeretta, Grandchildren: Lataisha, Christina, DeAnna, Natisha, De’Wayne, Raymond and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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