Glender D. Wellons

"A SERVANT WITH A HEART OF GIVING AND HELPING" SEPTEMBER 4, 1959-DECEMBER 5, 2017 "What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer."

 What a friend many had in Glender "Glenpoo, PoohPooh" Wellons, born September 4, 1959. Anyone who met her realized very quickly what a rare jewel you had as a friend. Reared in the historic and pivotal Riverview Community of Smithfield, it was a privilege getting to know her, because she made everyone feel as if she was your best friendand she had enough love for everyone, young and old. Her family members and neighborhood community could always depend on her as well. They, too, were considered her closest friends whom she loved and cared for without fail. You could talk to Glender for hours about anything and never had to worry about your deepest or darkest thoughts exposed. She literally took them to her grave. Talking or hanging with Glender gave you a sense of peace and comfort. Often times, some would stop by after work to be in her presence. If a friend was driving home late nights, we knew Glender was a phone call away because she did not go to bed before 2 a.m. She would be available to keep you company. Another love of Glender's was the Washington Redskins. She looked forward to football season, proudly representing her team, whether they were winning or losing. She was as dedicated to the Redskins as she was to her friends. We could never find a friend so faithful. She watched our children, transported anyone needing a ride to work, school or doctor and supported many by attending church programs and/or sporting events. If there were trials and temptations or troubles anywhere, Glender would already know because of her popularity throughout the community. She made friends with the students and teachers while attending Isle of Wight County public schools.

She graduated from Smithfield High School in 1977 and matriculated at Virginia State University shortly afterwards. She was known for often helping and assisting other Smithfield students who decided to attend VSU assimilate in the Trojan tradition at "State." Throughout her varied life stations, Glender made friends along the way while using her culinary skills and organizational talents in many capacities in the food services industry for the Ogden Company, located inside the former Gwaltney Meat Packing Plant, ASI, Thomas Nelson Community College, and most recently with Fjords Catering and Sista's Cafe.

She was an active member of Little Zion Baptist Church since an early age. Supportive of ministerial efforts in many ways- known and unknown, she had worked early on with the Jesus and Me Ministry (JAMM) activities, and as a committee member for the Church Pictorial Directory, helping to finalize the theme and organization of the book, as well as scheduling the directory photography appointments for auxiliaries and families; she faithfully championed the music ministry and its activities behind the scenes or wherever needed, with suggestions or other personal or afteraction-review commentary. You know Glender(smile). In her more recent faithfulness to ministry and Christian Fellowship under the current pastorate, she served with the Women's Ministry, the Health and Wellness Ministry, the Singles Ministry, the Decorating Committee, the Drama Ministry, Church Festival Committee and Vacation Bible School. She also attended the Mid-Day Bible Study.

Civically, for many years, she was the team captain of the "Go Getters Team," for the Relay for Life Cancer Campaign. Culturally, she was very supportive of the Cultural Arts programming and special events in Smithfield and beyond, especially when it involved her favorite musical group, Forte Jazz Band.

Glender's father, Louis M. Wellons Sr., predeceased her. Left to cherish her memories and legacy are a son, Sebastian Xavier Wellons; her mother, Doretha Shivers Wellons; a brother, Louis M. Wellons Jr., and two sisters, Faith Anita Wellons and Nina Wellons Howard (and her brother-in-law Charles). She leaves two nephews-Renaldo Wellons and Charles Howard; a niece, China Howard, and great niece, Briana McClary. She had several special children-Jameson and Preshous Gibbs, Donna Quartey-Taylor, Raven Johnson, as well as Jalen and Jychle Johnson. She will be missed by her cherished uncle, Willie Shivers Jr. (his wife Gloria), her aunt, Roselee Shivers Robertson (and her husband Lawrence), as well as her aunt by marriage, Annie Cotton Shivers; along with a loving host of cousins and close friends. This friend of ours was genuine, and we will miss her; but this servant's heart will continue to touch this world for many years to come.

 A Celebration of Life service will be held 12pm Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at Little Zion Baptist Church Smithfield, Va. Viewing will be held Monday, December 11, 2017 from 4-7pm at the chapel. Interment will be in the Baptist Memorial cemetery Smithfield, Va. Professional services are entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.

Burial Date December 12, 2017

A Celebration of Life service will be held 12pm Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at Little Zion Baptist Church Smithfield, Va. Viewing will be held Monday, December 11, 2017 from 4-7pm at the chapel. Interment will be in the Baptist Memorial cemetery Smithfield, Va. Professional services are entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.