Glenda Ann Small Torres

Glenda Ann Small Torres, age 69, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the afternoon of April 20th at home. Gerald “Jerry” Matthew Small and her mother, Wilma Rae Abee Small preceded her in death. A Celebration of her life officiated by Pastor Chelsea Harvey and Pastor Jonathan Stutts of Definition Church in Greensboro, NC will be held Sunday, April 26 at 5:30 pm.

Glenda was born on March 7th, 1957. Her father, Jerry Small served as Captain in the Air Force and while at Western Electric was one of the engineers that designed the Telstar satellite. He happened to meet a deaf man using sign language with whom he could not communicate or share the love of Christ. He then took classes in sign language and taught a Sunday school class for the deaf at First Baptist Church, Greensboro. Following her dad’s example, Glenda entered the deaf community and continued his work, going well beyond anything he would have dreamed. She often received the highest praise: “She’s hearing??? She signs like she’s deaf.”

Glenda was an instructor at UNCG, teaching and influencing the current generation of translators. You could literally talk to other signers throughout the US and upon mentioning her name, would get the question:

“Do you know Glenda? I’ve heard of her. She’s so great.”

During summers, Glenda and her brother Gerald ran a summer camp for 35 years reaching youth for Christ and introducing them to sign language. Glenda was the camp Bible Study Leader. Youth would race to the front row to hear her teach. Her joy was reaching others for the Lord. She ALWAYS found the best in everyone, encouraging, and strengthening others despite her own physical limitations later in life. She was one of the very rare individuals that loved and cared unconditionally for everyone she met. She didn’t just belong to her family; she belonged to everyone she ever met.

She was a member of Definition Church and continued to teach and translate through her struggle with cancer. She simply did not allow it to stop her work. She was a devoted Christian, mentored students in their faith around the country through Zoom, prayed and studied her Bible daily.

She loved her two brothers, David Small of Kenosha, WI and Gerald Small of St Joseph MO; and her sister, Yvonne McKnight on Bartlett TN. Her nephews were also so important to her. She always found time to encourage them, attend their events, and most importantly pray and mentor them in their walk with Jesus. That was her heart. Her nephews are Matthew McKnight of Jackson, TN; Daniel McKnight of Waco, TX; Stephen of Colorado Springs, CO; Jonathan Small of Pleasant Prairie, WI; Boston Small of Omaha, NE, Will River Small of St. Joseph, MO.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Torres family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com