Gladys Katherine Cage

Gladys Katherine McElwee, nicknamed “Dube” was born on June 20, 1926, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, to John and Verdigris McElwee. She attended the all-Black, segregated Booker T. Washington School in Sapulpa, where she developed a love for learning. Her parents emphasized experiential learning through daily country life and instilled in her the importance of discipline and faith. After accepting Jesus Christ as her Savior, her father, Overseer John B. McElwee, baptized her by the riverside.

At the age of 18, Gladys got her first paying job working in a tent factory in Tulsa, Oklahoma. That’s when her eyes caught the attention of Tilton Cage, Jr. Tilton and Gladys, were married on August 26, 1945 and moved to Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Within the first five years of their marriage, Gladys and Tilton lovingly accepted the responsibility of raising two nieces, Lucille Jackson and Lois Johnson and had son number one and two, Thomas Edward and Kenneth Wayne. Both Tilton and Gladys loved children and helping others.
In 1950, seeking better opportunities, Gladys and Tilton McElwee relocated from Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to the Armourdale neighborhood in Kansas City, Kansas. Upon settling in Armourdale, Gladys and Tilton quickly found employment at a local laundromat. Gladys knew it was a blessing to be working, but she still thought about her aspirations to enter the health field. However, she faced a significant barrier: she had not completed all the requirements for a high school diploma. This obstacle did not deter her; she remained hopeful and determined to pursue her dreams.

THEN GOD.

Stepping out in faith, Gladys applied for and secured a position as a Research Animal Lab Technician at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) in 1961. Her God given talents, unwavering determination, and eagerness to learn quickly earned her the respect of doctors and researchers. She became the "go-to" lab technician, assisting in various studies involving multiple animal species to advance medical and health outcomes. During this period, Gladys completed the requirements for her GED and pursued additional courses to obtain lab technician competencies and endorsements.

As her career flourished, so did her family. Gladys and Tilton were blessed with five sons and three daughters. To her eight children, she exemplified tenacity, determination, the pursuit of education, confidence, resilience, and above all, unwavering trust in God.

Outside of her professional life, Gladys was affectionately known as the "Neighborhood Beautician." On weekday evenings and early Saturday mornings until late evenings, her kitchen transformed into a beauty salon. Armed with a straightening comb, hot curlers, and a range of products from Royal Crown to Alberto VO5, she crafted "hairdos" that seemed to defy time.
After retiring from KUMC in 1989, Gladys immensely loved being the number one supporter and cheerleader for her family. She traveled with her children and grandchildren, cheered at their sporting events, worked on projects with her daughters, volunteered in schools and community organizations. Also, you could definitely find Gladys actively worshipping and serving in the ministries of the church. Gladys had leadership roles as she sang in the choir, served as an usher, taught and prepared the sunbeams and youth for various programs and plays, and helped in the mission department. In her moments of relaxation, she enjoyed watching "The Young and the Restless," "The Price is Right," and engaging in lively conversations on the telephone with family, friends, and neighbors.
Gladys Katherine McElwee Cage, lovingly called "Mother Cage," was a devoted woman of faith. She was a long-time member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, KS, and later joined St. Peter AME Zion Church in 1991 under the leadership of her son, Rev. Thomas Cage. Mother Cage was a strong supporter of her son's ministry and continued her service at Metropolitan AME Zion in Kansas City, MO, where she served as a Deaconess and in the Missionary Department until her health declined. She also worshipped at Walnut Boulevard Missionary Baptist Church, Second Baptist Church in Grandview, and enjoyed attending Male Choir Ministry Musicals throughout the Kansas City area.
Gladys Katherine McElwee Cage’s life will continue to teach for generations to come. Proverbs 3:16-17 states, “Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace.” Gladys lived a long blessed life characterized by strength, resilience, generosity, kindness, and unconditional love. Her actions symbolized the message of her favorite song, "If I Can Help Somebody," as she consistently extended compassion to family, friends, and all she encountered. Her legacy mirrors the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman: a woman who fears the Lord, possesses noble character, is industrious, patient, compassionate, and dignified. Her 98 years of living, accepting Christ as Savior and working on the battlefield will speak for her when she stands before God.
On March 23, 2025, Gladys completed her earthly journey, transitioning from labor to reward. Her life remains an example of faithfulness and perseverance, expressing the promises found in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Tilton Cage, Jr.; her father and mother; five brothers; one sister; two sons—Kenneth Wayne and Preston Wendell Cage; and one grandson, Joshua McKinsey.
She leaves to cherish her memory three sons: Thomas Edward (Kaye), John Willard, and Andrew Bernard, all of Kansas City, KS; three daughters: Eva Renee (Marlyn), Connie Lolita (David), and Teresa Lynn, also of Kansas City, KS; 16 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.