Gladys Jefferson Carter's Obituary
Gladys Jefferson Carter Gladys Jennett Jefferson Carter was the second of six children born to Clarence Jefferson and Beatrice Johnson Jefferson on August 5, 1934 in St. Louis, Missouri. Her parents; older sister, Helen; and two younger brothers, Maurice and Clarence, Jr. preceded her in death. Gladys was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools, graduating from Cole Elementary and Sumner High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Harris Teachers College and a Masters Degree in Math from Webster College. She continued her higher education by getting her Plus 30 hours from other St. Louis area Universities. Gladys was united in Holy Matrimony to William Booker Carter, Jr. (who she affectionately called “Book”) on July 19, 1959. He preceded her in death on December 19, 1999. From this union two children were born – Charlton Dalvert and Chaundra Dia. Gladys was employed by the St. Louis Public Schools. Her career spanned more than 40 plus years in education. She committed to 25 of those years as a Chapter I Remedial Math Teacher, retiring in 1997 from Northwest Accelerated Middle School. Gladys was baptized and reared in West Side Baptist Church, later joining her husband as a member of Union Memorial United Methodist Church in 1967, under the Pastorship of Rev. Dr. John Doggett. While a member she served on numerous committees - the Membership Committee from 1967 until 1998; the Secretary of three Church Pictorial Directories; Asst. Den Mother for the Cub Scouts; the Mother’s Club for the Girls Choir, Member of the Family Emphasis Committee; she chaired Two Annual Church Picnics, worked with several Summer Vacation Bible Schools, Youth Group Mom and Coordinator; served on several Women’s Day committees, Coordinator of the Ads Committee for the “Cotillion de Leon” Debutant Ball held annually at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel. Gladys became ill and had to drop out of many church activities. She still volunteered for the Thanksgiving Day Dinners and made contributions to every organization – never forgetting the Graduates, until she no longer could.
Gladys was very serious and adamant about her teaching profession. This was her passion and purpose. She was stern and demanded respect but always reached out to her students and advocating for the under-served and under-resourced children and their families. She would often say, “Her students need more than math skills.” Which is why she refused to leave the city public schools. She said, “If all of the good teachers leave the city -- the city kids will not stand a chance.” Plus, she believed that she received an excellent education in the city public schools and a college degree for a minimal fee. She felt like she owed them and this was her way of paying back. Gladys was an avid reader, always encouraging everyone to READ!!! She and her book club members enjoyed eating out at new restaurants and discussing the books they read. She loved to travel with family and friends, especially going on cruises with her late husband. Gladys departed this life Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Left with loving memories are: son ~ Charlton; daughter ~ Chaundra (George); grandsons ~ Collin Carter, DaJon Trice and George P. Barron, Sr.; granddaughters ~ Tanyell Cole (Jubulani) of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Canddis Barron; one very special sister ~ Loretta Watts of Peoria, Illinois; one brother ~ George Jefferson of St. Louis, Missouri; sister-in-law ~ LeeAnna Jefferson of St. Louis, Missouri; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great neph-ews, cousins, more grandchildren and friends. Special Friends who left a footprint on her journey of life: Bobbie Austin, long-time friend and hairdresser (since 1964), Gloria Hopkins Perry, Mattie Clark, Adrian & Sue Wright, Barbara Booker, Loretta Persons, Goldie Abram (play twin sister), John Potter, and Rita Shields (other daughter). Club Members ~ Yvonne Cooper, Lillie Vinson, Anita Robinson, Doris Moore, Patricia Mayfield, Millie Easley, Ernestine Bivens and Lillie Powell of Carlyle, Illinois). In Memory of Dear Friends ~ Yvonne Cooper, Patricia Ratliff and Barbara Golden
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