Gladys Lemon

Gladys Virginia Prince Lemon was born on August 22, 1919 in Dallas, Paulding County, Georgia; the third child to the union of Autley Prince and Cindie Backers Gladys was reared at the Carrie-Steele Pitts Home as a result of the deaths of her mother, father, brother and grandmother prior to her tenth birthday. Sister Lemon attended the W.H. Crogman Elementary School for six years; later attending the Booker T. Washington High School, Atlanta, Georgia, graduating in 1937. While at the “home” (Carrie-Steel Pitts), Gladys learned to play the piano, being self-taught, or as she said “I just picked up stuff.” Upon graduation from Washington High, Miss Gladys continued her education at Clark College, later Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia. In 1938, Momma began work for the National Youth Administration (NYA) at the Butler Street YMCA and Auburn Avenue YMCA as a seamstress, walking from “Pittsburgh” during the day and attending Clark College Extension at night. In 1939, Mom began working with the NYA in Atlanta, Albany and Forsyth, Georgia. While in Forsyth, Georgia, in October 1940, Gladys met the love of her life and her lifetime companion, James Windel “J.W.” Lemon who was attending the Forsyth State Teachers College in Forsyth, Georgia. They were married on December 20, 1940 and to this union three handsome “little brown babies with sparking eyes” were born: James W., Jr., Kenneth Dwayne and Waymond Howard. “Baby” was preceded in death by her husband of almost 71 years and son Kenneth. While in Albany, Baby learned to play the bass from January to October, 1940. Baby attended the North Carolina College for Negros in Durham from 1942-1943. Baby was awarded many first place blue ribbons and second place red ribbons for sewing and canning in the 1940’s to sponsor the Kiwanis. In 1942, Baby was baptized at the Shoal Creek Baptist Church and served faithfully for over seventy-three years. Aunt Gladys is a former Shoal Creek Church Junior and Senior Choir pianist, Mother Board, choir member, Deaconess Board and Baptismal Committee member for years. Mom truly had the midas touch; seeming all her handiworks turned to gold. Aunt Gladys was an excellent cook and baker who made all kinds of cakes and pies for friends and family especially at Christmas. Aunt Gladys could transform McCall, Butterick, Vogue or Simplicity patterns or Payday feed sacks, White Lily or Martha White flower bags into works of art. “Cuddin” Gladys could prepare the soil, plant the seed, manage the weeds, harvest the crop and return through the back door to prepare three course meals and frozen products. “Cuddin” Gladys had chickens in the chicken coop, ducks, cats and dogs and was very active aiding in the annual “hog killing times”. Cuddin Gladys loved all animal, respected all and feared none and was extremely fond of wrestling and rodeo. Some of Ms. G.P’s vocations included seamstress at Dowling Textile Company, McDonough, Georgia; the egg factory at the Georgia State; and as a teacher’s aide/paraprofessional at the Shoal Creek Elementary and Locust Grove Elementary and Middle Schools. Miss G.P. lived the Abraham Lincoln quote that “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that counts. It’s the life in your years remaining a vibrant, refreshing, encouraging breath of fresh air even through her recent illness. Gladys, always a prankster, had the jokes and funnies and had loads of fun in life. Baby Girl displayed the perseverant long suffering love for her mate James during his four years of assisted living stay, missing maybe four days during this period and at times making up to three visits a day to show her encouraging love. Granny Slim loved a good joke or prank and had an infectious contagious laugh and smile. But her love for the Lord remained at the apex until the end singing especially old fashioned congregational hymns with a love and fervor unmatched. Slim seemed to always end her conversations with “I love you” and she not only talked the talk about love but she walked the walk of love. Granny loved her flowers and received rave reviews regarding her yard flowers as well as house plants especially the Christmas amaryllis. Granny Slim cherished her grand, great grand and great-great grandchildren dearly and imparted her love to them freely. Baby Girl you showed us how to live and you showed us how to be born into eternal life. From your humble beginnings, you gave so much from so little. Baby Girl we will always love you. Also now, behold, “your” witness is in heaven and “your” record is on high. Baby Girl’s faith is always noticeable and tangible in the author and finisher of her faith by the many frogs scattered about her house – attesting to her Fully Relying On God. Gladys was truly the independent spirit maintaining her household as well as still driving until the last months. God allowed the beautiful spirit of Gladys P. Lemon to walk amongst us on earth for 96 years. We thank God for her long, inspiring, Christ-centered life and know that her legacy shall live on through her family. A mother to many, Gladys will be greatly missed by those lives she touched. Her memory will forever be cherished by her sons, James W. Lemon, Jr. (Nell) of Decatur, GA and Waymond H. Lemon (Carolyn) of Detroit, MI; sister-in-law, Jewell E. Wilkins of Indianapolis, IN; eleven grandchildren, Anthony, Armond, Damon, Danielle, Kanika, Kelcey, Kelvin, Nichole, Ronald, Sherry and Waymond Kyle; twenty great grandchil-dren, two great-great grandchildren; remembering her as their mother-in-law, Dorothea C. Lemon and Margie Lemon; many devoted family members, and friends

Gladys Lemon

August 22, 1919 - September 20, 2015