Gladys Maude Waite

Gladys Maude Waite de Goldson, was born on March 20, 1923 in Panama City, Republica de Panama, the third of five children of the late John and Maud Goldson. She departed this world on October 19, 2013 at Universal Healthcare of Fuqua-Varina, North Carolina.

She is survived by her daughter Yvette (Cookie) Jones, spouse Tyrone, three grandchildren, Maurice Jones, spouse Khaleela, Malcolm Jones and Mariah Jones, two great grandchildren Zoe and Xander Jones, brother, Richard Goldson spouse Linett. Nieces, Marva, spouse Rudolph Edward, Sonia, Xenia, Gigi, spouse Rick Cooper, Luna, Nilsa, Andrea, Evelia, Suzette, spouse DarRell Walker. Nephews, Fernando, Onnajay, spouse Sherri, Erasmo, spouse Elaine, great nieces and nephews, cousins, church family and a multitude of friends. She is preceded in death by her brothers James and John, nephew Ricky and sister, Louise Goldson.

Gladys migrated to the United States in 1956 and received training and certificates from the New York State Department of Education in radiology, cosmetology and as a notary public. She attended Central School for Practical Nursing and graduated in 1958 and after graduation was employed at Goldwater Memorial Hospital as a License Practical Nurse (LPN). After taking maternity leave she worked for Beth Israel Hospital until she was hired by the New York City Department of Corrections, Rikers Island in 1966. In 1974 she transferred to the Queens House of Detention for Men where she continued her nursing career until she retired after 31 years of service in December 1997.

Gladys enjoyed traveling and visited many countries to include Italy, France, South Africa, Turkey, The Caribbean, Brazil and Portugal just to name a few. She enjoyed cooking, singing and dancing and everyone in the family at one time or another always received a “Gladys Pack” which was always loaded with good food. As a former member of The Greater Allen African Method Episcopal (AME) Cathedral she was an active member of Usher Board Number One.

After moving to Hampton, VA in March 2009 she joined Bethel AME church and was an active member. Gladys relocated to Jordan Oaks Independent Senior Living community in Cary, NC in September 2011 to live closer to her daughter and son in law.

Gladys’ devotion, love for her family, friends and generosity will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her words of wisdom and advise to her family was to love and be kind to one another and carry on the “Goldson” name.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 6:00 pm on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Gladys’ life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 28, at Bethel African Methodist Church, 94 Lincoln Street, in Hampton. Interment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Hospice of Wake, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or to Bethel AME Church, 94 Lincoln Street, Hampton, VA 23669.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. in Hampton, 23666.