Born on November 13, 1948, in Talladega, AL, Glenda was the eldest daughter of the late James and Amy Thorpe. She graduated from Talladega High School in 1967 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Mathematics from Samford University in 1971 and her Master’s degree in English from Samford University in 1972. Glenda dedicated over 30 years to teaching English with a focus on English as a Second Language, where she touched the lives of countless students from around the world, not just by teaching them to speak and write English, but by welcoming them with love, patience, and encouragement. Her impact reached far beyond grammar and vocabulary, and she was recognized for her dedication by receiving the “Nine Special Friends” community service award from WTVM.
Glenda married Jerry Hendrix on December 28, 1975. Together, they raised three children and enjoyed a life full of love. Her life was a testimony to her deep faith in Jesus Christ. Her faith shaped everything she did - the way she loved her family, served others, and faced life’s challenges with grace and peace.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry; her children, Amy Hendrix Zimmerman of Atlanta, GA, Jeremy Hendrix of Atlanta, GA, and Meg Hendrix Glenn of Atlanta, GA; her grandchildren, Nora Zimmerman, Audrey Zimmerman, Millie Zimmerman, Abel Hendrix, Luca Hendrix, Nadia Glenn, Karis Glenn, and Annika Glenn; and her sisters, Patricia Hawley of Birmingham, AL and Diane Jarrett of Columbus, GA.
A Memorial Service will be held at Striffler-Hamby Funeral Home in Columbus, GA on August 2, 2025, at 2:00 pm, where the family also invites you to a visitation before the service at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sound Choices Pregnancy Clinic in Columbus, GA, where Glenda volunteered for several years teaching parenting classes to expecting mothers.
