Gloria Dean Izard Baldwin

McNeil Izard. She was preceded in death by her two brothers Willie Ray, and Richmond Paul, and both parents.

Gloria was always a scholar and graduated from North Division High in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the age of sixteen. As a lifelong learner she earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, her Master’s degree from Western Washington University and did Doctoral work. Gloria always wanted to be a teacher and worked in education for thirty years with Seattle Public Schools before retiring. She taught middle school at both Eckstein and McClure; she was the Assistant Principal at Franklin High and then went on to become the Principal at Ingraham High. She had many community affiliations, and was a member of the Bellevue Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Early in life, Gloria accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was baptized at Saint Peters Rock Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and later became a faithful member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Seattle, Washington serving for over fifty-four years.

Shortly after coming to the State of Washington, Gloria married her husband of fifty-five years; Lawrence Baldwin. To this union two children were born, Bridgett and Brian.

Grandma or GG as her grandchildren fondly referred to her had a special relationship with each of them. When you were around her, she would often share some of the funniest stories with you about her time spent with her grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband; Larry, daughter; Bridgett, son; Brian, goddaughter; Gwendolyn Jimerson, grandchildren; Robert “Anthony”, Ashley and Danielle, special granddaughter; Zshakira Johnson, great grandchildren; Aniyah, Robert Anthony Jr., and Jamaire, sister; Ervene Izard Hollimon (Willie), brother in-law; Lester Baldwin Jr. (Lenora), sister in-laws; Osey Henderson (Andrew), Sadie Monroe, and Annie P. Jackson; and a host of relatives, and friends.

“I am Still With You”

If it seems that I am far away

on this empty and solemn day,

Just open your heart and know it’s true,

that I am still right here with you.

If during the day things are going wrong,

please don’t feel sad and alone.

Just open your heart and know it’s true,

that I am still right here with you.

When nighttime falls and the day is done.

If you are feeling alone and sleep won’t come,

Just open your heart and know it’s true,

that I am still right here with you.

Close your eyes, and feel the warm embrace.

Sleep peacefully in the wings of grace.

If sadness finds you in the morning light.

Hold this feather close and know it’s true,

that I am still right here with you.

Until The End

You are my love, you are my life;

You are my best friend as well as my wife;

I love and trust you with all that I am;

You are the woman who completed this man;

You gave your love and stole my heart;

You had me hooked right from the start;

Now close your eyes sweetheart, for now is the end; Goodbye my darling wife, Goodnight my dear friend.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born, And a time to die;

A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill, And a time to heal;

A time to break down, And a time to build up;

A time to weep, And a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain, And a time to lose;

A time to keep, And a time to throw away;

A time to tear, And a time to sew;

A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;

A time to love, And a time to hate;

A time of war, And a time of peace.

“I am Still With You”

If it seems that I am far away

on this empty and solemn day,

Just open your heart and know it’s true,

that I am still right here with you.

If during the day things are going wrong,

please don’t feel sad and alone.

Just open your heart and know it’s true,

that I am still right here with you.

When nighttime falls and the day is done.

If you are feeling alone and sleep won’t come,

Just open your heart and know it’s true,

that I am still right here with you.

Close your eyes, and feel the warm embrace.

Sleep peacefully in the wings of grace.

If sadness finds you in the morning light.

Hold this feather close and know it’s true,

that I am still right here with you.

Acknowledgment

The family wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation for all of the kind thoughts and deeds. When it seemed our loss was too great to bear, we looked up and our friends were there; with words written and spoken, with faces smiling and hearts open, you comforted us and shared our grief.

Our gratitude cannot be adequately expressed with mere words, but they are the best that we have to offer in saying, “Thank You” for lifting clouds and letting the sun shine through. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and may God forever bless each of you.

The Family of Gloria Izard-Baldwin