Gladys White Jordan

Eternal Tribute On Tuesday, October 10, 2023 our beloved Gladys White Jordan gained her wings and moved to her eternal home. Her life began on February 06, 1938 in Stafford, VA, daughter of the late Frank and Claudia White. She was preceded in death by her loving Husband, Bradford S. Jordan and daughter Patricia S. Jordan. Gladys gave her life to Christ at an early age and joined Bethlehem Baptist Church of Stafford, VA. Once she moved to Richmond, she became a faithful member of Providence Park Baptist Church. Excellence in education, employment and service has been the hallmark of her life. During her high school years, she received awards for academic scholarship and participation in numerous activities. She was a guard on the school’s basketball team, held leading roles in dramatic productions, student council and year book positions. She was also the vice president of her senior class. She won a spelling bee for her school. She placed second in regional oratorical contests bringing more honor to her high school. She also participated in community and church activities. She served as a pianist for her Sunday school. In addition to her outstanding participation in activities and high scholastic attainments, she also held a part-time job. Having enjoyed high school so much, graduating as salutatorian of the 1956 class of Walker-Grant High School and being designated by her peers as the female most likely to succeed, she ventured to college. While at Virginia State College (VSC) she participated in religious activities, was on the college’s newspaper staff, was inducted into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Epsilon chapter, was a member of the Pauley Debating Team that represented the college in the East Coast competition held in New York City. She was also president of the Sociology Club. While being involved in activities and academic pursuits, she served as a French tutor as well as an English tutor. Again, she was also employed part-time. Graduating from VSC in June 1960 with a B.A. degree, she became the first person in her family, church and community to receive a college degree. In 1967, she also received the Master of Art Degree from Virginia State College. Her first teaching job (1960-1961), was at Ralph Bunche High School in King George County, VA. From there she went to Ruthville High School in Charles City County. In 1968 she began teaching at East End Middle School in Richmond, VA. There, she later became Chairman of the Communicative Arts Department. Since 1980 she was an integral part of the Franklin Military School family. As chairman of the Department of Communicative Arts, teacher, yearbook sponsor and snack store operator, she was greatly involved. Gladys’ life enjoyments were reading, writing, listing to classical music and extending love, kindness and service to others. Most of all she enjoyed having fun with her four younger brothers. She always wanted to know about everyone’s accomplishments. Gladys belonged to numerous organizations, please forgive us if we failed to mention any group.Moreover, she served in her community. She was a member of the Providence Park Baptist Church and served as president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary Usher Board. She was the secretary of the Edgehill Civic Association, Treasurer of the Delver Women’s Club, life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Phi Delta Kappa, Alpha Sorority, Inc., Virginia Association of Teachers of English, National Council Associations. Virginia State Associations of Parliamentarians, Parliamentary Law Club of Richmond VA, Life member of the Ralph Bunche Alumni Association. She was a member of the M.C. Stewart, chapter #128, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliated, and Tuckahoe Baptist Association. She was also a member of the Delver Players, a performing group. For six months she was in the cast of God’s Trombones. She leaves to cherish her loving memory: loving and devoted son-in- law, Daryl Davis; four devoted brothers, Frank (Dorothy), John, Gordon Sherman (Linda) and Bernard White (Nannie Mae); two sisters-in-law, Janette Harris (J. Floyd) and Monica Jordan; a host of close nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Gladys White Jordan

February 6, 1938 - October 10, 2023