Mary Gladys Jennings

Mary Gladys Jennings was born on January 5, 1928, in Greenville, South Carolina to the late Adam and Beatrice Hall. Mary relocated to Baltimore after her marriage to her late husband, Theodore K. Jennings. She and her “hubby” lived a whirlwind of business opportunities, punctuated with a decision to both become ordained ministers in the Baptist Church family. They both became deacons and served as “at-large” pastors to numerous neighborhood churches for many years. Mary grew up in an “old South” that did not keep many records of childbirth, nor school attendance for children of color. Suffice it to say (in her own words) when she did attend formal school learning she was “quite feisty” in her journey to learn to read and write. As life would have it, the man she would eventually marry, Theodore, went to great lengths to convince her (and her dad Adam) that he was the “right one” for her. Eventually, she and Adam relented to permit the marriage to go forward. From their union, they had two sons, Corwin and Ricardo. The focus of Mary’s life was her two sons, whom she challenged to be “all that the Lord has enabled in you” (with a fair amount of mom ‘nagging’) to encourage academic excellence. Mary eventually obtained her “GED”. She completely understood that for her sons to realize the “American Dream” of Self-Prosperity, it would be realized through education. Her son Corwin is living proof of her wisdom. Beyond her spiritual and business ventures, Mary was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse with a specialty in Geriatric Care. She was employed for nearly three decades at the Jenkins Memorial – Long Term Care Nursing Home in West Baltimore. She retired from this undertaking in the spring of 1984. Mary aligned with Northside Baptist Church and became active in the church’s ministries. She enjoyed participating in the Women’s ministry and was a leader in the church. Northside was her church home until the very last moment of her life. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and great-grandmother. She was a true friend to many. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Jennings; her father, Adam Hall; her mother, Beatrice Hall; her son, Ricardo Jennings; her two sisters, and both brothers. She leaves fond memories to be shared by her son, Corwin Jennings (Margaret), and a multitude of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and a host of countless loving friends.

Tributes

Mary Gladys Jennings

January 5, 1928 - July 15, 2022