Sarah Gladys Smalls Horne

At 101 years young, Sarah Gladys transitioned peacefully on 24 October 2023. She was the 6th of seven children born in Burton, South Carolina to Charlie and Isabell Green Smalls. Gladys is the last of the seven children raised by her paternal grandmother and Aunt. Sarah Gladys resided in Washington, DC for more than 40 years until her move to Bowie, MD.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her devoted daughter, Valerie and like-a-son, Adrian, who she resided with for 10 years; son, Odean (Brenda) Horne; 5 loving grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death is her husband of 63 years; her youngest daughter; her parents, sisters and brothers. She also leaves a host of devoted nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sarah Gladys was an active member of Metropolitan Baptist Church having joined with her husband in 1952. There, she was a member of the Usher Board, Union Missionary, Sunday School (she taught for more than 25 years), Deaconess Board, Pastor’s Prayer Partners, Ideal Working and Choral Society Tithing Clubs and the Women’s Ministry.

Sarah Gladys was a committed community activist and was the recipient of numerous awards, letters and certificates recognizing her hard work, dedication and civic involvement. As recent as 2014, she was an Electoral Judge in Prince George’s County, MD.

Sarah Gladys was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliate (OES, PHA) and was a member of seven “houses.” Up until her decline in health, she regularly attended meetings, galas and conventions held in the District, Virginia, Maryland and surrounding jurisdictions.

We honored you Mom and gave you roses while you could hold and smell.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fort-lincoln.com for the Smalls Horne family.