Gladys E. Woodlon

GLADYS ELIZABETH PEMBERTON WOODLON, a sweet and gentle spirit, transitioned to her life on Saturday. October 13, 2007. Gladys, daughter of the late Robert Gray and Pearl King Pemberton, was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 22, 1916. She was one of four children: Louise, Gladys, Robert Jr., and Martha Ann. Louise and Robert (Buddy) preceded her in death. Educated in the Baltimore City Public School, Gladys graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in February 1934. She later married her schoolmate and neighborhood beau, James Arnold Woodlon. Two children were born to this couple, Roberta Pearl and Michael Arnold. Gladys grew up in Leadenhall Baptist Church. In the 1960’s she affiliated with Walbrook Trinity Presbyterian Church where she served as an usher. She was a willing participant in church activities, especially the annual smorgasbord and travel activities. The cake she provided for the smorgasbord disappeared as soon as they appeared on the dessert table. Employed by the United States Government as a file clerk, she worked at Social Security in the Candler Building in Baltimore and later at Fort Holabird in Dundalk. She earned a number of certificates for diligence and for excellent production. Glady’s, having lived through the Depression and World War II, always appreciated her job and its benefits. She was grateful that she was afforded the opportunity, by practicing frugality, to raise and educate her children; especially when she became a single parent. She had an inquisitive mind and sought enrichment by periodically pursing courses at Morgan and the Community College of Baltimore, especially after she retired. An excellent cook, a stellar baker, Gladys was known for her cakes, pies, cookies and fruit cake. Fruit cake connoisseurs constantly urged her to market them commercially, so they could indulge loving generosity to others. She was an avid reader and possessed and extensive library. She loved to travel. Even though she traveled to several countries outside the United States, her great passion was to see the Pyramids and the Great Wall. When she went to China and Egypt while in her seventies, she considered those trip to be the pinnacle of her travels. Gladys sustained hypertension, diabetes and several ministrokes. The great blessing was that she did not suffer acute pain, and that she was able to ambulate. When her health began to further decline, she resided in the home of her daughter and son-in-law for the past several years. After a brief hospital and rehabilitation center stay, on August 27th, she entered Elesy Manor, an assisted living facility in Baltimore County. The warm and excellent care she received there was a source of comfort to her and the entire family. Just as she lived for more than ninety-one years, Gladys peaceful and gently slipped into eternity. Gladys is survived by: her sister, Martha Ann Byrd; daughter, Roberta Scott; son, Michael Arnold Woodlon; grandsons; Michael Pemberton Scott and Jonathan James Scott; great-grandson, Michael Alexander Scott; son-in-law. Paul F. Scott; daughter-in-law, Phyllis R. Jones; granddaughter-in-law, Maressa; and other friends and relatives.

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Gladys E. Woodlon

February 22, 1916 - October 13, 2007