Gladys Amelia Upperman

Gladys Ingersoll Upperman lived a rich and purpose driven life. Gladys was born in Cleveland, Ohio onMarch 31 st 1924, in the era known as the Roaring Twenties. Gladys was one of seven children, three ofwhom lived to adulthood, born to Deola Van Pelt Ingersoll and Moses Ingersoll. Gladys’ sister, Williepredeceased her. She is survived by her devoted and loving brother Moses Jr.Gladys graduated from John Adams High School. She continued her education pursuits at Kent StateUniversity.As a young woman Gladys, like many Americans, was affected by the horrors and the promise of WorldWar II. The tragedy helped to shape her. Gladys answered her nations call in this time of war andserved as one of the many women who did their part and contributed as a part of the legendary “Rosiethe Riveters” worker brigade, where she repaired and assembled airplanes on behalf of theDepartment of Defense.Before the onset of the War and subsequent to it, Gladys met, was courted by and later married, LewisMarcellus Upperman, who predeceased her. Gladys and Lewis were married in Cleveland on December14 th 1945. From the union was born four daughters: Marcella McCain (Walter) who predeceased her;Sandra U. Cummings (Humphrey); Marie Wicker (Leonard); Susan Wicker (Eric). Gladys and Lewis lived,worked and traveled extensively though the United States and abroad, taking up residence in additionto Ohio, in Oklahoma, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Marseille (France) and Liberia (WestAfrica).Gladys had a quick wit, a wry sense of humor. She enjoyed listening to the great musical talents of herera – Dinah Washington, Brook Benton, Sam Cooke and Billy Epstein – to name a few. She enjoyed thetraditional “dress up” to participate in ballroom dancing with music by concert artists of the period.She was also a great hostess and was one to ensure the comfort of all those around her. She was awoman of many, many talents. She worked as a teacher, secretary, manager and realtor. She hadnumerous hobbies such as crochet, knitting, eclectic plate collector, ceramics and an avid reader, alongwith other hobbies and pursuits. Her family particularly enjoyed her great cooking and baking skills.She was loved and admired by those she met.Gladys was an active member at “Weeping Willow AME Church in Charlotte NC and Wesley ChapelAME in Danville VA, she served as a Deaconess and Missionary, prior to her period of declining health.Her family is thankful for the care she received at the nursing facility where she spent her final days.She leaves behind: Her living daughters and their spouses and her brother. Her loving and devotedgrandchildren: DeAyrie (Ian), Chaneen (Landry), Walter, Jr. (Khevna), Janelle (RJ), Jarrrett, Koressa,Erica (Timothy), Marcus, and Erin; great grandchildren and step great grandchildren, nieces andnephews and a host of relatives, family, friends and acquaintances.