Gladys Knight Cherry

On Friday, December 9, 2022 our mother Gladys Cherry, known by some as Puddin and Noon, 95 years of age, transitioned into glory at her home in Mechanicsville, MD after a few days of being in hospice care. Gladys, the eight child of nine children of the late George and Alice Knight was born April 21, 1927 in Macclesfield North Carolina.

Gladys Cherry survived by her oldest niece Alice Bolton, Carrie Mercer, Connie Knight and nephew Robert Atkinson is proceeded in death by her brothers and sisters Corrie Lindsey, George Knight Jr., Alice Knight, Bessie Knight, Nina Knight, Joe Knight, Addie Knight, and Charlie Knight.

In 1948 the family decided to migrate to Washington, D.C. Gladys was able to find work at Georgetown University and start her career in the laundry industry. She worked in various laundry businesses and supervised others in performing top quality work. Everyone she met loved her skills and professionalism in attention to details while performing her duties.

Gladys Cherry, formally known as Knight, married Paul Cherry Jr. on June 7th 1952. Out of this union three children were born. Pauline Cherry Johnson, Gladys Ruth Cherry, and Cecilia Cherry Williams. She loved the Lord and her family. In 1968, she became an ordained minister and began bringing souls to Christ.

She was a remarkable, kind, loving and spiritual woman. Our loving parents instilled in us a deep seeded root for family and belonging to God. Her gentle loving spirit attracted many people to her that came to cherish and lover her as well. She served the Lord at all times singing in the gospel choir and visiting the sick and shut-in. Gladys Cherry attended the Multicultural Worship Center for many years under the leadership of Pastor William Cabel. Her hobbies also included enjoying good music, dancing, sewing, and fishing.

Gladys Cherry was the last of her generation. She leaves to cherish in memory her daughters Pauline Cherry Johnson, a loving son in law Charles Johnson. Gladys Ruth Cherry, and Cecilia Cherry Williams a loving son in law Bryant Williams. Four grandsons Larry Sharpe lll (Natasha) Jeff Jenkins (Shanita) Elgin Jenkins, and Jeremy Retcher. Four Granddaughters Eugenai Peoples (Timothy) Erica Simuel (Russell) Euniqueca Jenkins, and Chelsea Fletcher (Abass) and several great grand-children. Russell Simuel Jr., Landon Simuel, Larry Sharpe IV, Adrianna Simuel, Jemari Fletcher, Journey Fletcher, and LeAnna Sharpe; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.