Gladys Louise Hubbard Wynn departed this life on Saturday, September 23, 2023, while
at home with the love and comfort of her family. Gladys was a mother, grandmother,
great-grandmother, godmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was born on November
30, 1940, in South Hill, VA, to the late Curkley and Sophia Hubbard.
When Gladys was the tender age of 3, her family home was hit by a tornado. The house
and family members were scattered in the woods. Both of her legs were broken, and
her arm was crushed. Gladys lost two of her siblings that day and she was hospitalized
for most of the next 3 years. It is evident, that her spirit, fight, and resilience originated
back then and subsequently paved the way for the woman she would become.
Gladys was educated in the Mecklenburg County school system, graduating from East
End High School at age 16. She entered Virginia State University for one year; and later
earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Norfolk State University and a Master’s
Degree in Special Education from Hampton University.
Gladys loved children. She truly believed that pouring into our youth was not only one
of her callings but also one of the most fulfilling experiences she could have. As a stay-
at-home mom, she nurtured and raised five children. Being a stay-at-home mom
allowed her to be active in the children’s schools, to be the neighborhood mom, and to
be the neighborhood 4-H leader. Gladys’ belief that the children are our future led her to
a career in teaching. She worked as a substitute for several years and later, in 1988,
she accepted a full-time teaching position with Norfolk Public Schools (SECEP). After a
fulfilling career in teaching alternative education, Gladys retired in 2004.
Gladys loved the Lord and spent her adult life serving him. In 1971, she joined
Abyssinia Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia and attended for 50 years. During that
time, she faithfully served as the Missionary President, Youth Supervisor, and
Chairperson of Vacation Bible School. Gladys always credited Abyssinia for her spiritual
foundation and growth and she often referred people who were looking for a church
home with a loving church “family” atmosphere and “a true word” to Abyssinia.
Gladys was passionate about mission work. She strongly believed God put us here to
serve others, especially those without a strong voice and those who were not able to
help themselves. Gladys was introduced to the Tidewater Baptist Women Missionary
and Educational Convention in the 1980s. Over the 36 years that she was involved with
the Convention, she held a variety of positions; Workshop Chairperson, Prison Ministry
Chairperson, Chairperson of the Executive Board, and Assistant Youth Supervisor. She
also served two terms as Youth Supervisor (5th VP), and in 2009, she took the office of
President of the Tidewater Baptist Women Missionary and Educational Convention.
During her tenure the Convention turned 100 years old in 2011, and she had the honor
of planning the centennial brunch, which was attended by many dignitaries.
Gladys’ love for and intention to serve allowed her to take part in many missionary
experiences. She completed missionary work in Jamaica as well as in the Holy Land of
Jerusalem. Gladys was also a member of the Baptist General Convention and she
previously served as the Youth Supervisor for Lott Cary. She was always honored to
serve the Lord.
Due to aging, health issues, and an inability to commute long distances, Gladys made
the difficult decision to leave her beloved Abyssinia. She found a new church home at
First Lynnhaven Baptist Church, where she served as the President of the Senior
Ministry, Saints Under Grace (SUG) from 2022 until her brief illness and subsequent
passing. While serving as President she brought forth the first ever Seniors Day at First
Lynnhaven Baptist Church.
Gladys shared 23 years of marriage with her loving husband, Henry Wynn. He
preceded her in death along with their eldest son Keith, eldest daughter Faith,
siblings Bernadette, Alvin, and Odell, two cousins who were raised as siblings, Mary
and Roy, as well as her best friend/sister of over 60 years, Lillian Stuart.
Gladys leaves a legacy of memories in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her
including, children Joe Lee (Vanessa), Mitchell Lee (Cotney) and Kelly Wynn; step-
children (with her husband Henry) Constance Shinn, Chester Wynn, Gloria Artis, Janice
Davis, Patricia Whitaker, and Daryl Wynn; sister-in-law Merti Hubbard (Alvin,
deceased); a cousin who was raised as her brother, Otha Sydnor (Audra); five
grandchildren (Keith II, Joe, Jaz’min (Dakota), Christopher, and Brandy); nine great
grandchildren (Ka’mari, Najiyah, Keith III, Joziah, Isaiah, Camdyn, Malakai, Koa, and
Maverick); special granddaughter Mysha; special granddaughter and great-grandson
Shenna (Leroy) and Derrick Jr.; nieces Deborah, Annette, and Kira; nephews Winston,
James, and Kevin; special nieces and nephews Sherry “her first girl” (Kenny), Nikkita,
Devonnia (Brandon), TaShauna, Dara (Arthur), Tyrone, and Brandon (Sol); Godchildren
Dena, Angela, Natonya (Demetrius), Torrell, and KeAmber; best friend/sister of over 50
years, Josephine Rose (Eugene); and a host of other family and friends.
Gladys was a mother, godmother and grandmother to many. She was her children’s
“Shero”. She lived a powerful and intentional life. The volume of lives she touched is
immeasurable.
Gladys was a living testament to her favorite bible verses – 2Timothy 3:16 “May the
works I have done for Christ speak for me” and Matthew 25:23 – “Well done, good and
faithful servant”.
Cry not for me because I am with the Lord. Take comfort in knowing my life spent on
earth was good and purposeful. Love on each other, forgive each other and most of all
take care of each other. May God continue to order your steps as He did mine. I am and
will always be in your heart. All is well with my soul. God bless you all.
Love, Gladys
Condolences(15)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous William Darrell Burch
Next Robert Randolph Jones
Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
© Metropolitan Funeral Service
Judith (Judy) Henderson says
October 2, 2023 at 6:26 pmSending my love and prayers to Ms. Gladys family. I will ALWAYS remember her too as my “SHERO” because she showed me that there was absolutely not one thing that I couldn’t do that I put my mind to do. Take your rest Beautiful Lady. I’m gonna keep going because you said that I could.
Deacon Emeritus, Carolyn Hawkins Hayes Mt. Zion BC Norfolk, VA says
October 4, 2023 at 9:02 amMay God comfort this dear family as we celebrate the life of our dear Sister and Missionary in a life well lived in service to Him.
Pastor Willie E. Smith, Hungary Road Baptist Church says
October 4, 2023 at 5:01 pmTO: Sis. Doris Bell and the Wynn Family,
On behalf of Hungary Road Baptist Church, we are saddened to hear about the passing of Gladys Louise Wynn. We stand here with you today to extend our love, prayers, and condolences to your entire family.
We know that her presence will be missed, but we also know that to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5: 8). We pray that God grants you peace at this difficult time and please let us know if there’s anything else that we can do; forever in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Pastor Willie E. Smith, HRBC
Hungary Road Baptist Church
Chairman, Deacon Ernest Redford Sr, HRBC
Hungary Road Baptist Church
Frank B. Felder, Jr. says
October 5, 2023 at 5:52 amSending prayers of comfort to the family. Mrs. Gladys smile and warm personality will be missed. She traveled with the Voices of Norfolk Concert Choir and was a great supporter, with her dear friend and choir member, Mrs. Lillian Stuart. During my time as Musical Director/Conductor she was a great support and offered her help. May God strengthen the family.
Sherry Hughes says
October 5, 2023 at 1:55 pmWords cannot express how I feel about loosing someone that has been in my life for over 60 years. When I met her, I was a kid, and in her eyes, I would always be a kid, her first girl. Mrs. Gladys, I love you now and forever.
Sandra W Brown says
October 5, 2023 at 7:35 pmI am sorry to hear of the passing of Gladys. We worked closely together with the Women’s Ministry of the Baptist General Convention. Gladys was encouraging and always smiled and gave her service where needed. I will miss her and the friendship we shared. God is good and she is with the Lord. I am so happy that God shared Gladys with me.
Gracie T Davis, former President, BGCVA Women’s Ministry. says
October 5, 2023 at 8:37 pmI was very saddened to learn of our Sister, Gladys Wynn’s passing. May your memories of her bring you peace and comfort moving forward. It was a joy to serve with Gladys while serving in the Women’s Ministry of BGCVA.
Queen E Nicholson says
October 9, 2023 at 5:59 pmGladys you will truly be missed me and my family truly loved you and was always glad to be in your Presence. She was one of our family friends Praying for the family may God give each of you Peace and Comfort I Loved Gladys but God Loved her more. Rest in Peace Sister Gladys 🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️❤️
Gracie T Davis, former President, BGCVA Women’s Ministry. says
October 5, 2023 at 8:40 pmI was very saddened to learn of our Sister, Gladys Wynn’s passing. May your memories of her bring you peace and comfort as you move forward. It was a joy to serve with Gladys in ministry.
YOLANDA NICHOLSON says
October 7, 2023 at 6:20 amTo Sis Wynn’s beautiful family . May God continue to bless and keep you in Perfect Peace ! Your mother meant the World to me❤️🙏 I love you and I am praying with you and for you.
Otha Sydnor says
October 7, 2023 at 10:57 amIt is with love that Audra and I spend quality time today remembering Gladys’s beauty (inside and out) and her love for the Lord. My comfort is in knowing that she is free of pain and is resting in eternal peace. Our childhood memories will forever be sealed in my heart.
I send blessings to all of the beautiful family.
Kevin Jones says
October 7, 2023 at 11:52 amSending Love and prayers to my family during this time. We love you Auntie, and you will truly be missed !!
Kevin, Kim, & Kiayjah
Tunisha Hubbard says
October 7, 2023 at 1:02 pmSending my love and prayers to all the family and loved ones of Aunt Louise. I hope we can always hear her laughter and let it brighten our spirits. Her love and kindness will always be remembered, just thinking about her makes me smile and warms my heart. I have so many beautiful memories of visiting her, Uncle Henry, Kelly and Faith every summer. I could hear her laughter from the porch as Lil Keith and I played outside. She’s one of those people that no matter where you are or who you are when you were with her, she always felt like home. What a blessing to have her in our lives. Love, Tt
Rev Joyce Foster says
October 8, 2023 at 10:40 pmAfter the service I learned of the home going of Sister Wynn. She was truly a blessing and a motivator. Please know that the family and close friends are in my prayers
Queen E Nicholson says
October 9, 2023 at 5:54 pmGladys you will truly be missed me and my family truly loved you and was always glad to be in your Presence. She was one of our family friends Praying for the family may God give each of you Peace and Comfort I Loved Gladys but God Loved her more. Rest in Peace Sister Gladys 🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️❤️
P 757.628.1000 • F 757.545.9148