Gladys M. White was born Gladys Mai Tucker on October 20, 1934, in Nashville,
Tennessee. She was the fourth child of William Jacob Tucker and Cora Ann Briley. Predeceased by siblings Richard Jacob Tucker and Dorothy Jean Kennedy. She leaves her remaining siblings, Elizabeth Covington, Juanita Warfield, and Barbara Ann Battle, as well as nieces and nephews. Gladys was married to Willie C. Thomas, predeceased in 1974, and Eugene White, predeceased in 1990.
At the center of her life was her unwavering love for her family. She leaves her children, Marvolyn Renee Alleyne (Tucker), Sharon Ann DeBruhl (Thomas), Rodney Kenneth Thomas, and Pamela Desiree McDougle (Thomas). She was a proud matriarch, grandmother of 13, great-grandmother of 14, and great-great-grandmother of 6, as well as many friends and extended family. As the years passed, she nurtured her loved ones with devotion and built a home where all who entered felt welcome and cherished.
Gladys was deeply committed to her pursuits. She worked tirelessly in social services at St. Ann’s Community Day Care Center for nearly 20 years. She touched many lives with her generosity and her willingness to extend a hand to anyone in need.
Gladys found meaning in serving her community and was known for her involvement in civil rights organizations and charitable causes. Her faith was a guiding light, inspiring her to live with purpose and gratitude. She attended services at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ, for over 20 years and found solace in singing with the mass choir. The choir travelled at times to share the gospel in song. The adult choir recorded an album mid-1980 entitled “Second Sunday Morning.” They performed a production of “Your Arms Too Short to Box with God” at the church in 2006. After relocating to central Jersey, she became a member of Christ Church of Howell, NJ in 2007. Her legacy of faith and service will continue to inspire all who were touched by her example. Gladys’ final arrangements are entrusted to Lawson Funeral Home, ensuring her wishes will be honored with dignity and care.
Gladys’ memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. As we gather to celebrate her life, we invite those who knew her to share their stories, memories, and tributes. May we honor her legacy by living with the kindness, courage, and love that she exemplified every day. Rest well, Mom. Your light will never fade.
Though our hearts ache with loss, we find comfort in the enduring love and wisdom Gladys bestowed upon us. She wanted her legacy to be remembered by the lives she touched, the joy she spread, and the example she set. We are forever grateful for her life and for the privilege of calling her Mom. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
