Gloria Mildred Grayson

Ms. Gloria Mildred Grayson was known by many as Mama Gloria, Mother Grayson, Deaconess Grayson, Ms. Gloria and of course Grandma and Aunty. She was first known by her maiden name, Gloria Mildred Henry. Due to marriages, she was blessed to have, she was known as Gloria Pickens (husband Clarence), Gloria Grayson (husband Leroy), and Gloria Abdelaziz (husband Mel). Whichever sweet name you called her, she answered with a smile.

Family Life

Gloria was the 10th blessed child born to her wonderful parents Mr. Jessie and Mrs. Bessie Henry on December 9, 1927, in Ashdown, Arkansas. Raised along with her siblings, Gloria was very intelligent and talented. Her and her siblings grew up on a farm where they worked on land tending to the livestock and picking crops.

Education

She attended Ashdown Elementary School and Little River Training School in Ashdown, Arkansas. She was known to be a smart student. Due to moving from Arkansas, she continued her education and work life in California.

Kingdom Ministry

Gloria accepted Jesus Christ into her life at a young age. Her parents made sure that their children knew God and always attended church. She was baptized at the Haney Creek Baptist Church in Arkansas by Reverend B.L. Smith. Along with her siblings, she participated in various church ministries. When she moved to Fresno, California in 1946, she attended and became a member of King Solomon Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Frank Douglas. Later, after Reverend Douglas passing, Gloria continued her membership at King Solomon Church under the leadership of Pastor McDuffy and later, Pastor Calvin Moore, whom she called “son” and continued to follow his leadership which led her to attend St. Joseph Baptist Church. Gloria was a servant in various ministries at King Solomon Church such as Deaconess, General Mission President, Usher Board, and Hospitality Department. As many would declare, she was a very good leader and taught many women how to conduct themselves, serve in the ministry, and especially how to dress. She attended Sunday School, Bible Study, and a multitude of other church services often dragging her grandson, Ryan along with her. She was a faithful member of The Queen Ester Grand Chapter-Eastern Star of California organization where she received awards for her services and participation.

Work

Gloria worked for the West Fresno School District for over 25 years as a great cafeteria cook. Many of the students and staff praised her for her personality and being creative with the delicious dishes she would prepare for them. In 1982, she decided to take the big step and RETIRE! She was known for making her delicious homemade jams, jellies, potato salad, hog head cheese, and many other homemade dishes. She even taught others how to make homemade dishes. She enjoyed making ceramics and other artistic pottery with her sister, Virginia. She loved to garden and kept a wonderful vegetable garden in which she tended with so much care.

Marriage

On July 10, 1943, Gloria got married to Clarence Pickens and together they raised a daughter, Janet Pickens, whom later in life unfortunately passed away, but before Janet’s passing, she gave Gloria the most precious gift-a very handsome grandson name Ryan. On July 2, 1977, Gloria and Leroy Grayson (known as Deacon Grayson) united and enjoyed 24 years of marriage while also raising Ryan together until Leroy’s passing. Together they worked in church ministries, ministered to many, and they showed love and compassion to those who felt lost or just needed someone to care for them. A few years before Gloria got remarried, she was blessed to have met Mel Abdelaziz as a best friend and companion. On March 19, 2018, Gloria and Mel got married and they were the happiest and cutest couple. Unfortunately, in 2022, a tragic situation took place and Mel along with his daughter, Melba went home to be with the Lord. Gloria was left without a husband, but she knew she still had God.

Departing from her family

During the last few years of Gloria's life, she was blessed to gain a granddaughter, Jasmine, 2 great-grandchildren, Meniah and Nathaniel. She would often brag about how Nathaniel would keep her busy and joyful. They would watch tv together, eat together, and have many conversations in baby language. She was grateful for Meniah for helping her and being good company to her. Gloria was called by God to enter the pearly gates of Heaven on Sunday, February 25, 2024. She was in the hospital and by her side was her wonderful grandson, Ryan. Gloria was the last living sibling of the Henry family. She was blessed by God to have lived for 96 years, 2 months, and 16 days. WHAT A BLESSING! She would say, “Trusting God and not stressing” was the key to living a long life. She was proof of that.

Gloria was proceeded in death by her Parents: Mr. Jessie & Mrs. Bessie Henry, all 10 of her siblings: Sisters -Bertha Henry, Gracie Henry, Opal Jones, Ethel Veasey, Helen Cook, Annie Threadgill, and Virginia Hamilton. Brothers-Wallie Henry, Willord Henry, and Clifford Henry. Husbands: Clarence Pickens, Leroy Grayson, and Mel Abdelaziz. Daughter: Janet Pickens. Stepdaughter: Melba Abdelaziz. Goddaughter: Ollie Mae Nutt.

She leaves her precious family and friends to remember her in a special way. She will be truly missed, but her legacy and great impact that she had on everyone will be cherished in the hearts of her loving and devoted Grandson-Ryan Reed (Jasmine) of Fresno, California. Great-grandson-Nathaniel James Reed of Fresno, California. Great-granddaughter-Meniah Wallace-Monroy of Fresno, California. Brother-in-law-Ocie Hamilton of Hercules, California. Nieces: Helen Ruth Deloney (Rufus) of Ashdown, Arkansas and Sylvia Norman (Richard Sr.) of Fresno, California. Nephews: Howard Grayson of Fresno, California, Jervis Henry of Texas, Jeff Henry of Fresno, California, and Dennis Belt (Valerie) of Fresno, California. Goddaughters: Shlonda Chatman of Fresno, California, Lashonda Fitzgerald of Las Vegas, Nevada, Nikia Richmond of Fresno, California, and Jennae Walls (Frank) of Fresno, California. Stepdaughters: Gloria Sayles (Robert) of Fresno, California and Julia Turner of Salinas, California. Stepson: Gabriel Abdelaziz (Dorothy) of Paso Robles, California. A very special Great-great niece-Kajuanna Scott and her daughters, Glorious Scott and Hailey Thompson of Sacramento, California. Lastly, a host of family, close friends, and especially church family (King Solomon Baptist Church and St. Joseph Baptist Church).