A celebration of her 89 years of life will be given in Glenda Irene Sharpton Williams' honor. It will be held at Crestwood Funeral Home October 10, at 1pm with family visitation starting at 11:00 am. The Rev. Noah Medders and Rev. Robert Post II will be officiating. Crestwood Funeral Home will direct services.                                                                                                                                                                                            It was once said that "Names are the sweetest and most important sound in any language." It must stand to reason then, that Glenda Williams had a significant life, for hers was truly full of meaningful names. Glenda Irene Sharpton, born October 25, 1932, was the "daughter" of Delos and Winnie Ethyl Sharpton. The Biblical meaning of her name was 'holy and good', which could truly describe the lovely Glenda. She had also been told she was given her name after a film star at the time. With her strong will and quick wit, she lived up to all the meanings of her name and more.
As a "sister", she was best friends with hers, Marie Rich (Jack), Lanette Albright (Marlon), Martha Busby (Larry), and Ella Ree Sharpton (Howard), her sister in law. She had many stories to tell of her brothers, and brothers in law who preceded her in death—Edward and Howard Sharpton, Jack Rich and Marlon Albright. As the Salutatorian of her Gadsden high school graduating class she was an excellent "student". She pursued a Business degree from the University of Alabama, and as a "professional woman", had a lengthy resume with a list of job titles. Her final professional title
was being a Personal Banker for Regions Bank. As Glenda grew into a hardworking, resourceful teenager, she met the love of her life at age
15 while working in the 10 -cent store over Christmas. She added to her names- " Mrs. Williams" in 1953 when she became "wife" to Bobby Gene Williams. Their 71 year love story set the tone for the many names to come.
She was "Mother" (and later Mother-in-Love) to Kimberly Post (Robert), Kip Williams (Rebecca) and Suzie Cook (Andy). In her role of "Mom", she knew the importance of the gift of presence in her children's lives. She was always there. Whether it was as a girl scout leader, a lifetime PTA member, preparing meals, or sewing clothes, their Mom would show up for them.
Her life centered around the gift of hospitality. If you left her presence hungry, it was not her fault! In fact, if you did not come to her for food, it is highly likely she came to you. Being a thrifty "housewife" she canned or pickled everything from their beloved farm, and even made ketchup! She cooked the best cornbread, peas and okra there was. She could fry a chicken or pack a picnic or Alabama tailgate party at the drop of a hat. She could even produce a feast on a camp stove on a road side table if necessary.
She was a "member" of multiple clubs, and served as an "officer" on several boards. Some of were, the Altrusa Club, DOC, and founding member of the Kiwanis Club of Rainbow City.
She was truly a lover of all things antique. As an "archiver" of many historical interests, her hobby was genealogy research. Many Saturdays were spent diligently searching dusty volumes of county courthouses for relatives. One dare not ask a question of genealogy unless they were prepared for hours of details. She was the extended family's authority on all things ancestral.
Her husband Bobby adored her and she admitted, spoiled her. He had several pet names for her. He often said her name started with a "G" for the word "Go" because of her great love of traveling. He frequently said, "she kept the roads hot." One of the weekly they enjoyed was Alabama football games. Tailgating with the 8 grandchildren who attended there was a treat. Another term which he lovingly yet kiddingly referred to her was "here comes trouble."
Her faithful presence continued into her role of loving "grandmother" to Drew Cook (Stefanie), Robert Post (Julia), Kathryn Yarbrough (Jeff), John Post (Jacqueline), Sam Cook (Beth), William Post (Sara), Clair Bingham (Will), Kip Denton (Lauren) Elyse Hulsey (Brandon).
When the first grandchild began calling her "Babe" (after hearing her husband call her this in their home), it was a name no one realized would become her most endearing and widely known name yet. Now, most of the people who knew and loved her called her that the rest of her life. With her elegance and grace, she yet again lived up to her name "Babe", the liveliest title yet, and became known as that by all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It continued to the next generation of grands, as she become adoring "great-grandmother" to her blooming crop of 14 great grandchildren to date.
A life-long member of East Gadsden Baptist church, the most important name she ever accepted was that of "Christian", as Jesus became her Lord at a young age. She made sure her family was dedicated to faith as well. The cause of the gospel always on her heart, she also supported mission works around the world. A Christian legacy of now four generations can claim its roots in a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, cousin, friend, student, professional, member, cook, historian, grandmother, daughter-of-God lovingly nick-named Babe.
Whatever name you may have called her, the most important thing her friends and family will remember about her is that when you called her by an any of her names, SHE CAME! To our loving Babe who always showed up for us, you will be missed until Heaven.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to a faith-based charity that would honor her Christian legacy.
Pallbearers will be her nine Grandsons.
The family wants to thank the staff of Oak landing Assisted living who helped Glenda navigate this past year.