Gloria Lee Solomon

Gloria Lee Solomon passed away December 25, 2022, more than eight and half years after leaving us her Plan for the End of Life. Written in a margin is the instruction "Put first how much I loved each of you." So we will lead with that, and echo the sentiment that Dr. Solomon loved us, and so many others, with a force that belied her petite frame but matched her determination and passion for family, friends and her life's work. Dr. Solomon is survived by her younger son, Robert Solomon, and grandchildren Rachel, Bennett and Rebecca. She is predeceased by her husband of more than fifty (50) years, Allen, and her older son, Mark, as well her parents, George and Nellie Shapiro. Gloria lived a long and amazing life that even she could not have predicted as she grew up in Boston and New York. Love and marriage brought her to the South (Texas, Louisiana and eventually Birmingham, Alabama), where she adhered to her mother's admonition to "finish education." She certainly finished her education and then some. While raising her sons and managing the household, Gloria received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Samford University in 1971, following by her Master's in Special Education from the University Alabama, her certification as an Educational Specialist (Special Education) and finally her Educational Doctorate in Instructional Leadership, both also from the University of Alabama. During the 1980s, she did post-Doctoral work in writing and leadership at Columbia University, Harvard University and Vanderbilt University. As her husband, Allen, once quipped, "When I promised her mother I would make sure she stayed in school, I didn't realize it would be for thirty years." Dr. Solomon started teaching, then became principal at Hillview Elementary School in Birmingham, during which time Hillview was selected as one of nine exemplary schools in the state and nominated for recognition by the state Department of Education. She then moved to become principal at Pinson Elementary School and then on to Hewitt-Trussville Elementary School. Dr. Solomon then became the first principal at Trace Crossings Elementary School in Hoover and finished her career in education as an Assistant Superintendent of the Hoover City Schools. She only retired after Allen asked politely and she had one grandchild and another on the way. Her love for her family was one of the few things that exceeded her passion for improving education, especially those with special needs. Dr. Solomon spent much of her career as a special education educator, inspired by the needs of her son, Mark, who had crippling effects from birth and was only later in life diagnosed as autistic. However, thanks to Gloria's tireless efforts, Mark received a full education and had himself an extraordinary career as a teacher's aide for more than twenty-five (25) years. Countless others benefitted from her dedication and work to make education accessible to those of all abilities. She was a teacher and mentor both inside and outside the classroom, and she will be missed by many, not the least of which is the loving family of whom she was most proud. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor her life and memory are encouraged to do so by making a contribution in her honor to the Alzheimer's Association or Temple Emanu-El.

A graveside service for Gloria will be held Friday, December 30, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum, 600 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridouts.com for the Solomon family.