- Date Of Birth: August 16, 1947
- Date Of Death: April 29, 2013
- State: California
Mrs. Kirkendall passed away peacefully at a local hospital.
It was a glorious Saturday for Jessie B. and Emma Ruth Franklin when their first born daughter, Gladys Marie Franklin arrived, August 16, 1947 in Navasota, Texas. In 1953, the family relocated to San Diego, CA. She received her formal education in the San Diego Unified School District System and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1966.
Gladys accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt.
Gladys was raised with the enduring values of hard work, honesty and a deep abiding connection with Christ. As a teenager, she accompanied her father, cousins and sister to his part-time job cleaning movie theaters. After high school, she then worked at the Naval Base for five years and at Handyman from 1975-1985 prior to its closing. She then went to school for a career change and upon completion of that training she started at Costco and remained there for the next twenty-five years as the “Top” vault clerk. She leaves a legacy of expert business and human resource management infused with high standards and tempered by fairness and kindness in the workplace.
In 1965, she married and to that union four children were born.
“Plutie”, as her daddy affectionately called her, was loving and friendly to everyone. She looked forward to her three week vacation to Texas, riding on the train with her Uncle Johnny every year for the last decade, and her long talks with her Aunt Eva Mae, the matriarch of the family. Her home was a refuge for all the neighborhood kids. She told you what she felt and you could accept it or leave! She was the ultimate encourager; she taught that anything is possible, overcoming obstacles in her own life as examples for others. Her wisdom, caring nature, quick wit and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Mama or Grandma was preceded in death by both of her parents.
On Monday, April 29, 2013, Gladys Marie Franklin Kirkendall was called from labor to eternal rest with loved ones beside her. She leaves to cherish her memory four children, Brian, Traci, Clavon and Vanessa Kirkendall; her sister, Evelyn Brooks; six grandchildren, Tiarra Warner, De’Ontae Palacio, Lotoya Kirkendall, Derrick Palacio, De’Jennae Palacio and Omani Kirkendall; one great-grandson, Ki’Meris Barton, three nephews, Dwayne, Bradley and Warren Brooks; goddaughter, December Avalone; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, extended family members across the country and her Costco Family. All are deeply grateful that their lives have been transformed as a result of Gladys’ love.
