Gladys Atkinson

On February 5, 1943, with the aid of a midwife, Gladys Elizabeth Norman Atkinson was born in Brunswick, GA, at 1210 London St. to Gertrude “Miss Money” Baker Norman and Lewis “Dango” Norman. In death, she is preceded by both her parents, Lewis and Gertrude Norman, as well as her sisters, Doris Baker and Rose Norman.

Gladys grew up in Dixville, on the south side of Brunswick, GA. From these humble beginnings, she learned early in life the importance of family, community, and education. As a young girl, she was educated in the Glynn County School System at Risley School, the first school in Brunswick, GA, opened to African Americans. She sang in the Risley Elementary School choir. When she entered high school, she became a part of the Risley High School Marching Tigers as a majorette. In addition to being an honor student and majorette, Gladys also served as her class Secretary. Even after graduation, Gladys continued to show love and support for her classmates and Risley High School as she served on the Class of 1961 reunion committee and was part of the group that successfully petitioned to have the school designated as a national historic landmark.

Gladys was a member of First Friendship Baptist Church, where she sang in the JP Allen Gospel Chorus choir. She was baptized at the age of 13. When she returned to Brunswick, she returned to her home church, where she became very active in the Youth Ministry and helped build the church’s Tiny Tot choir. She was a faithful member, serving the Lord and the people of the church. She served on the church’s auxiliary committee and was appointed as a Deaconess.

On June 23, 1961, Gladys Norman and Theophilus LeBlain Atkinson joined their hands and hearts in holy matrimony, beginning a blessed union that would span 63 years. As military life carried them across the United States and around the world, they turned each new station into a welcoming home, opening their doors to family members seeking either a warm visit or a fresh start. Their marriage was more than a partnership — it was a blueprint for love, friendship, and faith in action. Together, they showed everyone around them how two hearts could beat as one while carefully
nurturing the hopes and dreams of others. The warmth of their union has reached far beyond their immediate family, touching countless lives with their example of God’s love made real through unwavering devotion to each other.

In April 1982, Gladys returned to her roots in Brunswick, GA, to be closer to family. Her boundless love and dedication to her family were endless. She was intentional and always went to great lengths to keep her family close. She hosted many family gatherings, from bounding backyard BBQs to formal Thanksgiving dinners, where the best of everything abounded. However, Gladys never needed a special occasion to show love to her family. As the matriarch of her family, she always made herself available for after school pickups, babysitting on sick days, advice new mothers, comforting children, or inviting someone over for dinner.

Her home was open to all. Although she was not formally educated as a teacher, she had life lessons that she poured into anyone who crossed her doorstep. She was lovingly known in the community as “Aunt Gladys,” and she referred to them all as “hers.” Gladys wanted the best for everyone. She stayed on top of everyone about getting their education and doing their best in school. It was rumored that some of her children’s friends didn’t want to come over to the house because “Aunt Gladys is going to ask me about my grades.”

She leaves behind her husband, Theophilus Atkinson; children: William Atkinson (Laurel), Terry Atkinson (LaTeesha), and Shelita Atkinson-Bowens; siblings, Lillian Bryant, Joseph Norman, Etta Norman, Charles Norman, and Robert Norman (Gracie Michele); grandchildren, Taja, Tayja, Christian, Theo, William, Nia, Terry Jr., Elizabeth, Taylor, and Lindsey; 2 great-grandchildren, Erie and Tony; nieces and nephews, Jeanette, Yvonne, Alvin, Michael, Bernard, Kevin, Nacy, Rahmad; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.