Gladys Whatley, 86, of Peoria, formerly a longtime Florida resident, passed away at 5:13am Thursday, December 2, 2021 at River Crossing of Peoria. She was born July 15, 1935 in Luray, VA to the late Otie Lee and Dora Jewell Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Goers of Peoria; granddaughters, Misti Abel and Lisa Chrostowski; great-grandchildren, Jessica Litteral and Matthew Chrostowski; great-great-granddaughter Savannah Litteral; and a cousin, Roger Smith. She retired from Walt Disney World after 15 years of service. Gladys lived life on her terms and spend it how she wanted to. She loved all animals and rescued many over the years. When she lived in Florida, she looked forward to Bike Week in Daytona every years and loved riding her own Harleys over the years. Cremation rites have been accorded and inurnment will be at Beahm's Chapel Cemetery in Luray, VA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Critter Cove, Inc. in Galesburg.