Gladys Louisa Henderson, age 83, put on her crown January 5, 2022. She was born in Oxford Mississippi on April 28, 1938, to Tommie and Hannah Lee. She was a graduate of Ravenna High School. She married Jerry L Henderson and they raised 11 children. She retired from the U.S. Postal Service. Gladys was a member of the People’s Baptist Church for over 50 years in which she served as the Choir Director. She was truly a pillar within the East Akron Community and had a passion for helping those in need. She founded the Ebonetts Baton & Drum Corp to help youth within the community. Gladys impacted the lives of everyone she met, and she did not know a stranger.
Gladys was anchored in the Lord and kept songs tucked in her heart and continued to sing through-out her short sickness. She enjoyed virtual church service, music ministry visits and bible studies. She “lived out loud” Psalm 150:6. Let Everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Gladys was awarded the Mother of Year Award in the early 2000’s. This award was the epitome of her life as she continued to open her home to many youths within the community. She changed course of the lives of those participating in the Ebonetts. This organization provided an outlet of positivity, teamwork, structure and disciplined African American youth who show cased across Summit County in various parades. The awards included hundreds of trophies to align with the leadership of Gladys Henderson. She had a special way of demanding respect over the course of 20 years as the Director, Founder of the Ebonetts. Gladys was able to attend and watch the Ebonetts Reunion march in September 2018 at the East Akron parade. Her guidance and love were able to keep youth off the streets and a part of a positive community.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jerry L. Henderson, sons, Terrence Wesley Henderson and Gregory Lee (nephew); daughters (nieces), Barbara Ann Lee and Mary Elizabeth Lee.

She is survived by daughters, Tracey Henderson-Lane (Ivan Gordon), Terrie (Lynn) Henderson-Williams, Cheryl (Niecy) Henderson and bonus daughter, Towanda Mullins (Greg); sons Fred (Brian) Henderson (Lisa), Larry Henderson, Jerry Lee (Charlene) Henderson Jr., Rex (Kim) Lee and Marvin Butler; as well as her loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.