Gladys E. Smith-Jenkins

Gladys Smith-Jenkins was born to the late Theresa "Toots” Smith and Arnold Smith on May 27, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA. She was educated at Simon Gratz High School in Philadelphia, PA. Gladys furthered her education by taking courses at Philadelphia Community College and Temple University.  

Gladys was first employed at Bajok Cigar, Philadelphia, PA. Gladys continued her employment as an Assistant Case Worker with the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare and retired from the state. Also, was a Secretary in multiple departments at Temple university but retired from the Office of graduate studies at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, in 1997. Work Part time at Domino's pizza, doing taxes at Jackson and Hewitt.

After retiring, Gladys worked part-time at McDonald's. She  wrote and produced two copyrighted  plays; , ‘A Change is Gonna Come - The Play’ and ‘Grandma Pearl - Enough is Enough’.

 During her younger years, Gladys was a frequent member of the Bowling league and Baseball softball league where she earned several trophies. She was a girl scout leader in her community.

Gladys prided herself in being the Booking Manager for the Mighty Glorifiers in gospel circuits for over three (3) years.

She participated and became a member of many community groups such as The Red Hatters Darby chapter, She was a girl scout leader at the Bethany Baptist Church at 58th and Warrington Ave, Gladys was a member of the Gospel chorus at Bethany Missionary Baptist church in Philadelphia, PA before becoming a member of First African American Baptist Church in Sharon Hill, PA.  where she was a member of the gospel chorus. Until she Join first African Baptist church in Sharon Hill PA. She volunteered at the Food Covered where she enjoyed giving out food to the community. Our mom enjoyed singing on the First African American Baptist Church sanctuary choir. She  enjoyed attending the Southwest Senior Center on Elmwood Ave., Star Harbor computer classes on Springfield Ave where she taught seniors the basics of a computer., Good Neighbor Senior Center on Hook Road in Folcroft, PA  and Martin Luther King Senior Center on 40th and Poplar Street. 

Our mom really enjoyed helping people. She displayed this craft at Ebenezer Temple Pentecostal church on 57th & Christian Street by assisting the community in filing their taxes and enjoyed being the block captain for her residents on Warrington Ave. for over 30 years.  

Our mom LOVED hosting family events, parties and game nights at her home. She loved to cook and bake.  Even though she fusses if you try to take food home early with containers because more people are  coming. then it was over she would give away everything but the kitchen sink. lol. She's known for her delicious apple pies and pound cake amongst her neighbors. The family's favorite is her scrumptious sweet potato pies and pound cakes. 

Gladys enjoyed arts and crafts, collecting family pictures and making jewelry. always had a camera in her hand at an event. But won't let you have a picture . She LOVED to bop, (a dance from the  60’s)  watching old TV shows such as Columbo, Murder She Wrote, Matlock, game shows, Wheel of Fortune, Flip Side, Family Feud and court shows,  

Our mom had the opportunity to travel to Canada, Alaska, Jamaica and visited Ecuador twice as a missionary.

Gladys loved her cat “Mr. Kitty, her late dog “Simba” , Coco and cat Pam,  enjoyed her independence in her home.

Gladys leaves behind four (4) children: Latanya Smith (Toot), Richard Smith (Stuff) and Karen (daughter-n-Law), Yolanda Smith and Pamela Smith. Her only grandson, Domineir Smith.

Gladys had five (5) siblings,  preceded in death Joseph “Boostie” Simmons, Elizabeth “Sister” Bishop, Arnold Samuel “Duke” Smith and Florence Smith. She leaves behind one (1) brother Frederick “Shorty” Smith. In addition, she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and close friends. 

Proceeded in death Gladys’ dearly beloved husband Mr. Jimmy Jenkins. They were married on April 27, 2003

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