Evangelist Gladys M. Wilson

Evangelist Gladys Marie Gatlin-Wilson was born on January 31, 1934, in Princess Anne County, Virginia, to the late James H. Gatlin, Sr. and Alverta Franklin-Gatlin.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George I. Wilson, Sr.; her children Jean Stephenson, Elvalena Stephenson, Tyrone Wilson, Gail Nadine Philpotts, George Allen, Regina Bell; her siblings James H. Gatlin, Jr. (Thelma), Geraldine Gatlin-Smith (Frank), Leon Gatlin, Clarence Gatlin (Mollie), and Gladys Holsey (James); her godson Thomas Cross and In-laws George Buggs; and In-law John Wilson and Jakie Barbour.

Gladys was united in holy matrimony to George I. Wilson, Sr. on September 22, 1950. Their marriage stood as a testament to devotion and partnership until his passing on February 28, 2016. To Gladys, nothing came before her service to God and her husband.

A woman deeply rooted in faith, Gladys was a prayer warrior and affectionately known as the “Mother of the Church” at New Hope Church of God in Christ. She served faithfully as an Evangelist Missionary and as President of the Hospitality Department for more than fifty years. She was also a faithful member of the Day Star District and the Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia. Her presence was constant, her prayers were powerful, and her love for God was evident in every area of her life.

Gladys wore many hats throughout her lifetime. She was a school cafeteria cook, a master beautician, and a business owner. She worked alongside her late daughter, Elvalena, as a master beautician, turning one of her bedrooms into a beauty salon. She was also the co-owner of G&J Catering Company with her daughters Jean and Janice, using her gifts of cooking and hospitality to serve others with excellence.

Her home was a place of refuge. Gladys catered not only through her business, but through her heart—providing shelter and meals for the homeless and always keeping an open door for family. It was not uncommon for her to have at least twenty family members gathered at a time, ensuring everyone had a place to rest, eat, and feel loved.

Though she was a prayer warrior, Gladys was also wonderfully unorthodox. She believed in creating an atmosphere of warmth without restriction. Her home became the neighborhood gathering place—where young men and women were welcomed at all hours to play basketball in her backyard, sit for advice, or simply stop by to say hello. She offered guidance without judgment and love without conditions.

Gladys was a songbird in her own right. She coined phrases, made up songs for her children, and filled her home with music. Her favorites included the “Dee-Dee Song,” the “Name Song,” the “Phone Number Song,” and her all-time favorite, “I Love You” by Barney. Gospel music filled her spirit, especially songs about working for the Lord and preparing for heaven. Her favorite selections included Running for Jesus, I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired, Lord, I Just Want to Thank You, and I’m a Soldier in the Army of the Lord.

She also shared her ministry beyond church walls. Alongside her sisters and sister-in-law—Geraldine Gatlin-Smith, Gladys Holsey, and Thelma Gatlin—she traveled spreading the Gospel. They were lovingly known as “The Golden Girls,” ministering throughout Virginia with frequent stops in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Massachusetts, eventually hosting weekly Sunday services in Boykins, Virginia.

Gladys was a proud mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, affectionately known as Nana. She devoted her life to nurturing her family and ensuring love, faith, and resilience were passed from one generation to the next.

“Bless the Lord, I’m going to the other part of my service.”

Legacy

Gladys leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Aubrey Wilson (Maria), Janice Buggs, George I. Wilson, Jr. (Deborah), Jupiter Wilson, Sr. (Wanda), Steven Wilson, Sr. (Mary), Michael Allen (Patricia), Ivy Allen (Stephanie), Alecia Hill (Irvin), Trena Allen Busari, and Pamela Allen-Blount (Melvin); a son she raised, Joshua Bell; her siblings Craig Speller (Sabrina), Dashiell Caffee (Robinette), Jasper Gatlin, Jeremy Gatlin (Latoya), and J. Elwood Gatlin; loving in-laws Curlie Gatlin, Emma Owens, Edna Collins, and brother-in-law Jeff Barbour; her godson Michael Holland; along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, adopted children, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and friends.

Gladys Marie Gatlin-Wilson was truly a jack of all trades, but above all, she was a servant of God, a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a pillar of her community. Her life was a song of faith, love, and service—one that will continue to echo through generations.

She entered eternal rest surrounded by love and leaves behind a legacy rooted in faith, family, service, and community.