Glenda Joyce Johnson was born Friday, March 10, 1950, on a breezy day to the
parents of Dolphonso Wesley-Hill and Thomas Edward Taylor in Centralia, Illinois.
She was their first born to the union. She is the eldest of her siblings, Ricky Hill,
Vincent Hill, Pamela Hill and Patricia Taylor.
Glenda confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. She was a member Ricks
Chapel AME Zion church in Centralia Illinois. When she migrated to California, she
was a member New Life Baptist Church of Spring Valley California and CFCUCC.
Glenda was educated in the Centralia, Public School system attending elementary
school and Centralia High School, where she graduated in the year of 1968 with her
high school diploma.
As a young pretty woman, the world became an oyster and she was smitten by the
love bug, she and John had eyes for only each other. The two became one when
she married John Gibb on January 05, 1970. To this union three children were born,
Bridget, Anthony, Latoya.
As her babies grew the need to nurture the little ones was still there. Glenda set her
next goals on a career to nurture the world’s babies. She went back to school and
in 1987 she received her bachelor’s degree in teaching and became preschool to 4 th
grade teacher.
She migrated to Chicago with children and degree in her hand. Where she took on
the job of being that favorite teacher. Her kindness, giving heart and spiritually glow
nurtured the hearts of the children in her classroom. After thirty-one years of sharing
and teaching she hung up her rulers, chalkboards and textbook for sun and fun in
California.
She retired the summer of 1999. and started a new life, new beginnings… California
here comes Glenda. With a new purpose and a new strut to her steps and a new
love in the form of Dieterich Johnson. On September 25, 1999, the two became
husband and wife and went off to a different world.
While in Cali she learned to drive, our driving Ms. Glenda could be seen driving
carefully and slow in the slow lane. She actively worked in women groups went to
bible study, tutoring and listen to her gospel music. Her scripture that enlightened
her heart. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own
understanding. In all they ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Glenda could be heard humming her favorite gospel song “Silver and Gold” I’d rather
have Jesus, than silver or gold.
During this time, she became a grandmother of seven and a great grand mother of
four. She loved her family. She doted on the little ones near and far.. Always having
grandma hands. She lost the love of her life Dieterich Johnson, and the world tilted.
In June of 2022 Glenda came back to Chicago. Where she bonded and needed her
family the most. As GOD use her to become a beacon of light for her family to see
her strength in Him. Her body grew tired. She looked towards the hills from whence
came her help. On January 31, 2023, she took GOD’s hand and went on to glory..
Leaving her memories and legacy of nurturing, sharing and being a servant to
others. Glenda will forever be cherished by her Children: Bridget Gibbs from Alton
IL, Anthony (Denise) Gibbs and Latoya Gibbs. Grandchildren: Devon, Menaria,
Taideijsha, Nadia, Christopher, Anthony Jr, Adeyah. Great Grandchildren:
Alexandria, Grayson, Kitai and Blu.
When tomorrow starts without me…….
When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not there to see; If the sun should rise
and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me. I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the
way you did today.
While thinking of many things we didn’t get to say. I knew how much you loved me,
as much as I loved you, and each time you think of me I know you’ll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, that an angel came
and called my name and took me by the hand. Saying my place was ready in
heaven far above, and that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly loved.
But s I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, for all my life, I’d always thought
I didn’t want to die. I had so much to live for, so much yet to do. I thought of all the
yesterdays the good ones and the bad. I thought of al the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while, I’d say good-bye and kiss ou and
maybe see you smile. So, when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we are far
apart, for every time you think of me, I am right here in your heart.