10/06/2025
Gladys' House – Thank You's
Thank you to the one who has called me to this great work, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I want to express my gratitude to my mother, Gladys Pitts, the remarkable woman who taught me the importance of helping others and encouraged me not to be ashamed of my past choices. She helped me see my children for who they truly are—a blessing from God!
I also want to acknowledge Dr. David C. and Ruth Rourk, as well as my teachers from George Mathers Forbes School No. 4: Miss Jeannie Richmond, Mrs. Penny Foye (Principal), and Dr. Iris Banister. They taught me to love myself and to excel because greatness is within me.
Officials:
Deputy Mayor Mike Burns, Assemblyman Demond Meeks, Commissioner Dana Miller, and City of Rochester Councilmember and Foodlink Chief Program Officer Mitch Grouper, PhD
Roberts Wesleyan University/Northeastern Seminary:
Dr. Aaron Wilkinson, the University Registrar and Chief Academic Administrator, in the absence of Dr. Rupert A. Hayles Jr.
Gladys' Children:
Betty Ward, Dr. Barbara JP Thomas, Sheryel Pitts (deceased), Alfred Pitts Jr., Linda Resto, and Alvin Pitts
Victorious Living USA Board Members:
Warren Meeks Jr. (Vice President, Cynthia Willis (Treasurer), Kelly Maloney (Secretary), Michael Thomas, Greta Murray, Christina Terry, and Charles Terry Jr.
Victorious Living Housing Advisors:
Christina Terry, Chastity Henry, Valerie Miller Turner, Sandi Clark, and Beth Odell
Emcee:
Dr. Karla Hatley (Essential Conversations Counseling Services)
Speaker:
Inez Coleman (Young Mothers)
Churches:
Browncroft Community Church (Pastor Rob, Sharon Babbit, and members), Lakeshore Community Church (Pastor Vince, John Rayes, Steve Lamy, and members), Pearce FMC (Pastor Todd and members), Pittsford Community Church (Pastor Chris, Women’s Group - Stephanie Donovan and members), Victorious Living Church (Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Youth Department, and members), and Webster Bible Church (Pastor Matt, Dave Welker, Sandi Clark and members)
Our Prayer Team:
Pastor Robbie Evans, Minister Jackie Davis, Bishop Singleton, Pastor Frank Deluccio, and Bishop David Singleton
Visionary Friends:
Valerie Lawrence Breelove, Pastor Matthew Smeltzer (Grace Covenant Church, Paula Belemjian (The Margaret Home), and Sheila Williams (Foodlink)
Rooms filled with love:
Patricia Crenshaw, Beth Odell, Robynlyn Ketchum, Sandi Clark, Valerie Turner, Pearl Washington, Jake, and Pam
Helpers:
RDA Container Corporation, Charles Terry Jr., Earl Wilson Jr., John Kist, Derell Lester (Grandson), Clearance King, Frankie Spears, Tania Latham, Joe and KaMarie Parks, Ken Odell, Greg Odell, Quency Eaddy Jr., Miles Singleton, John, Denice, Mi’Kayla Meeks, Warren Meeks 5th, Azhmire Rollins Washington, Jaidny White, Cameron Terry, Zion Terry, Malachi Terry, Sari Padilla, Sandy Jackson (House Matron), and Pam Obery (Pam's Cakes and Cookies)
Media:
Jerome and Bettie Flood (Flood & Flood Videography), Denise Logan (Photographer), Local News Stations (13WHAM, ABC, Fox Rochester, The CW Rochester, and Spectrum News (special thanks to Adriana Loh).
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all my family members in Rochester, as well as to those who traveled to be a part of this special occasion. To my supportive friends and everyone who prayed for this occasion, you truly made this day memorable. I love you all!
