The youngest of nine children, born to James P. Thompson and Florence Forrest Thompson on September 7, 1928, Gladys eluded the rigors of housework and cooking by spending much of her childhood in the fields with her father.

In June, 1944, at age 15, Gladys graduated from Moton High School in Farmville, VA and left the Family Farm for New York City accompanied by her older sister, Frances. With open arms, their eldest sister, Alberta, welcomed them into her home, which she shared with her husband, Tom Ragsdale, and daughter, Tiny (534 West 147th Street in Harlem).

Baptized at an early age, Gladys accepted God as her Lord and Savior.Gladys had two church homes, Gravel Hill Baptist Church, Jetersville, VA and Second Canaan Baptist Church, Harlem, NY, both of which she loved and supported unconditionally.

Gladys and Frances both worked at a button factory and then at WallacePaper Box Company in Manhattan. The sisters were inseparable and on Sundays after church (Union Baptist), for a nickel, they would often ride the 5th Avenue Double-Decker Bus to Greenwich Village and back. They also enjoyed renting bicycles from Lonnie’s Rentals and riding through the streets of Harlem by day and hitting the hottest night clubs at night,including the Savoy Ballroom.

In 1946, Gladys met and dated Herbert Albert, who lived with his parents in “534”. On May 2, 1947, they married and lived briefly with Herbert’s parents. During 1947 and 1948, the young couple, along with their first-born daughter, Cynthia, lived at several locations in Harlem. Then in 1949, they moved downtown to the Elliott-Chelsea Houses where their seven children grew up. Gladys was not only a wonderful mother and devoted housewife/homemaker, she was the “Little Red Hen” – Seamstress, Activity Coordinator, Interior Decorator, Furniture Maker, Financial Planner … all in the name of Family.

In 1967, Gladys’ marriage ended and she rose to the task of single parenthood with dignity, respect and courage. In the midst of juggling a thousand balls, Gladys accepted a part-time job at Schrafft’s as a Coffee Cart Hostess, and then at Macy’s Department Store during the Christmas Holidays as a Clerk. From there, Gladys parlayed herself into a job at the reputable Tiffany’s & Co. Jewelry Store in Manhattan.

While working at Tiffany’s, a co-worker arranged a blind date with his uncle, John Parker, that would shape the next exciting chapter of Gladys’ life. Dazzled by John (aka “JP”) they married on December 23, 1988 and lived in Laurelton, Queens, New York, for many years thereafter, enjoying shopping, gardening, entertaining, and most of all, good health.

In 1993, after 25 years, Gladys retired from Tiffany’s as a Silver Department Manager and devoted her spare time to her loving grandchildren.

Unfortunately, disaster struck in 2005 when Gladys and John’s Laurelton, Queens home was destroyed by fire.

It would later be realized that this was a blessing from God moving Gladys and JP in a new direction. New Jersey would then become their new state of residency, where they would no longer bear the responsibilities and duties of maintaining a house. Now older, they were able to enjoy the convenience of a “deluxe apartment in the sky” near their daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Earl Ebron. She delighted in hosting holiday gatherings for her children, grandchildren and additional family members.

In 2014, Gladys’ husband (“JP”) passed away leaving her to persevere independently.

In the years that followed, Gladys continued to live a healthy and vibrant lifestyle. Gladys not only enjoyed the birds-eye view of nature from her outdoor back patio, but regularly peddled on her stationary bicycle while sunning and listening to soulful music for hours on end.

In August, 2018, the family held a Surprise Birthday Celebration for Gladys’ 90th Birthday at the historic Moton Museum in Farmville, VA. It was a wondrous occasion with all of her children and grandchildren in attendance. Also present were her two nieces, Florence and Barbara and their families, as well as her loving sister, Frances, whom she adored and cherished unconditionally. At 90, Gladys decided it was time to stop driving and leave the driving to others.

Gladys’ last visit to the Virginia Family Homestead was in 2019 where she and several of her children, along with Frances and her daughter, Barbara, reminisced of old times, momentous occasions and unforgettable experiences.

On October 30, 2023, Gladys in celebration of her 95th Birthday was personally invited as an audience guest of Whoopi Goldberg on the TV show, “The View.” Gladys was recognized as one of the “Mothers of Chelsea”. Whoopi spoke very affectionately on air about her bond with“The Alberts” and Gladys’ positive effect on the neighborhood children.

Gladys delighted in her seven children, was proud of each, and believed in the establishment of committed family values and steadfast principles. It was her last wish that her children practice continuous harmony and togetherness, bonding, support, and loving and respecting one another regardless of fundamental distinctions. One Family for all and all for One Family.

Gladys is survived by her loving sister, Frances Kerr, her devotedchildren, Cynthia Stovell (Warren), Gail Reeves (Kenneth), Herbert Albert (Jeanette), Ronald Albert, (Denise Campbell – deceased), Joyce Church (Anthony), Sharon Ebron (Earl), Kendal Albert (Wilma), step-daughter, Brenda Parker Riche (Hughes), her grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Alicia Walton, Rashaad Reeves, Jaya Tamplin, Jamal Albert, Jayda Albert, Raymond Campbell, Ronald Campbell, Anthony Church, Jr., Terence Church, Bediako M’Baye, Alex Ebron, Ross Campbell, Ayana Cox, Devon Church, Rasmine Campbell, Dante Ebron, Tenayistilingh M’Baye, Medhani Albert, her nieces, Florence Nash, Barbara Williams (Ronald), and her sister-in-law, Ernestine Smith. She held a special place in her heart for Gloria Lemons, Toure Folkes, Darcia Dugbater (Ebony M’Baye), Mark Moses, and cousins, Otis Hill, Mary Johnson, Edith Smith, Sondra Walker, Sarah Thompson, and a host of great-grandchildren, cousins and friends.