Christina A. Gladney

On March 3, 2016, Christina A. Gladney, 78, surrounded by her loving family, transitioned from her earthly tabernacle to her heavenly home with her Lord and Savior. Christina was born on October 25, 1937 to the late Isabel G. and George Alston, Sr., in Beaufort South Carolina.

She is preceded in death by her husband of forty-eight years, Prentice Gladney, Sr.; her son Terrance D. Gladney; also five brothers and five sisters preceded her in death.

Christina was the last of 17 children who was raised by her maternal Aunt, Henrietta A. Washington. She received Christ and was baptized at an early age. Her early education was in Charleston, SC which included attending Henry P. Archer and graduated from Burke High School. Her interests in cosmetology lead her to attend and receive certification from Apex Beauty School, Columbia, SC. After attending Apex Beauty School she met and married her late husband, Prentice, on June 1, 1956. This union led to the birth of 7 children; and as a military family residing/traveling to various places such as Charleston, SC, North Africa (Tripoli, Libya), Tampa, Florida; and finally residing in Portsmouth, Virginia.

As a resident of Portsmouth for nearly fifty years, Christina graduated from Portsmouth Beauty School and worked as a cosmetologist from home; a waitress at Frank’s Truck Stop; Medical Ward Secretary at Maryview Hospital (3 South); private duty Nurse throughout the Hampton Roads area; and Mary Kay and Melaleuca Sales Representative. She participated in various activities such as Cavalier Manor Civic League, The Red Hatters, Busy Bees, Portsmouth City Senior Station, Senior Bowling League AMF and many professional bowling tournaments throughout the country.

Christina was affectionately known as "Mother Gladney" while a member for nearly 10 years at Bethel Temple Church (County St.), Portsmouth, under the leadership of Apostle Earl C. Hinton, Sr. She was also a former member of Faith Deliverance Christian Center (26th Street) Norfolk, under the leadership of Bishop Barbara M. Amos.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories three sons; Prentice “Flip” Gladney, Jr., Bobbitt Gladney (Donnetta), and Terrance D. Gladney II (Sonia); three daughters, Angela L.D. Gladney, Ava C. Rockett (Michael) and Judith Gladney (caregiver); four brothers; Freddie Alston (Martha), Thomas Alston (Viola), George Alston and Joe Alston (Patricia); two sisters; Wilhelmenia Clarke and Henretta Bland; her eight Grandchildren, Michael A. Rockett, Jr., Bobbitt J. Gladney, Allen P. Gardner, Vanessa Gladney, Marquell Gladney, Antoinette A.L. Gardner, Terrance E. Gladney, Silas Gladney; seven Great Grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and loving friends.