Gladys Weaver was born in Saluda, South Carolina. When she was still very young, her parents decided to relocate the family to New York City. They first lived in Manhattan but did not enjoy the crowded apartment living conditions. The family soon moved to Jamaica, Queens, where they were able to live in a house with a backyard and driveway. Gladys thoroughly enjoyed her early life in Jamaica. Neighbors were all well acquainted and treated each other like family.