Glendolyn Long Whitfield

“Celebrating the Life of Glendolyn Long Whitfield” A precious one from us is gone A voice we loved is stilled A place is vacant in our house which can never be filled We loved her more than words can express But God loved her more And he quietly called her home to rest. Glendolyn Long Whitfield quietly passed into eternal rest following a short illness on Friday, June 7, 2019. Glen or Gwen as she was affectionately called by her family and friends was born in Norfolk, Virginia to Minister Hattie Long and the late Glen Long on July 5, 1955. Glendolyn was educated in the Norfolk Public School System. She graduated from Lake Taylor High School and matriculated at Norfolk State University majoring in Business Administration. Following her outstanding performance during her Internship at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC, she was offered a full-time position with that Department. She later transferred to the Eastern District in Norfolk, VA, where she continued her Federal Service employment at the Walter E. Huffman United States Courthouse. Prior to her retirement in 2014, she attained the position as Courtroom Deputy Clerk to The Honorable Judge Raymond Jackson. During her tenure she received many awards, honors and recognitions. Glendolyn’s early commitment to the Lord gave her strength to overcome many battles with her illness. She remained steadfast and committed in her journey to serve the Lord. In 1992, she became a member of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church and was a member of the Tribe of Benjamin. She recognized that her first priority is serving the Lord and she immediately thrust herself into service in the following ministries: Relief Usher Ministry, where she most recently held the position of Secretary, and the Pastor’s Aid Ministry. The St. Mark Christian Academy (SMCA) administration and staff were also very appreciative for the volunteer service she provided following her retirement assisting with the extracurricular String Program that many of the children participated in. She was also an active Sunday School and Bible Study attendee, and also served dutifully as a Trustee spouse. In the community, Glendolyn was active in the Portsmouth Chapter, The Links, Incorporated. A faithful and dedicated member since May 2004, she served in various leadership positions. In 2005, Dr. Patricia Fisher, the President at that time, recognized Glendolyn with the “Shining Link Star Award”. She joined this galaxy of stars, briefly following her induction, because she quickly demonstrated her commitment to service in her role as Special Projects Chair, she worked diligently with the Portsmouth Branch of the NAACP, to plan and present the Brown vs Board of Education Program at I.C. Norcom High School. Her efforts led to the Chapter receiving First Place recognition from the Portsmouth Chapter of the NAACP. Glendolyn was also an avid reader, she dearly loved her “Sister Friends” in her Book Club that met monthly. Glendolyn was predeceased in death by her grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bagley, her father, Mr. Glen Long, two sisters: Dianne Williams and Yvette Long of Norfolk, Virginia. She leaves to cherish her memory her faithful husband Carlton Whitfield; her mother Minister Hattie Long and two sons: Brian (Emanuel Asu) and Michael Long all residents of Norfolk, VA along with her “bonus children” Antoinette and Carlton Whitfield who reside in Washington, DC. She also leaves to cherish her memory her siblings: Kenneth Long, Byron Long (Serena), Kirk Long (Janice), Alfreda Long and Miranda Palmer. Glendolyn has eight loving sisters-in-law that are also left to cherish her sweet memory: Doris Highsmith (Willie), Swindell Jackson, Gloria Scoffner, Deloris Pollard, Mary Capers, Carolyn Everett, (Alton), Janice Whitfield, Judy Piper and one brother-in-law Royce Whitfield (Lois). She has also been blessed with a circle of ten loving grandchildren: Jahsiah, Taikia, Devin, N’Diyah, Nazareth, Gwendolyn, Somalia-Rose, Bless, Toni and Bryonna. There are also seven great grandchildren to cherish her memory: Travon, Wyse, Johnathan, Ilana, Ava, Lenox, and Bryson. Glendolyn was a precious jewel and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She was a very loving, caring, compassionate, humorous, friendly, outgoing individual. She was truly a woman of virtue that loved the Lord, her family, church, and was committed to serving others. Her legacy of love will be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and loving friends.

Glendolyn Long Whitfield

July 5, 1955 - June 7, 2019