Gladene Michelle Banks

GLADENE’S JOURNEY Gladene Walden Banks, beloved daughter of the late Willie James Walden and Flossie Mae Walden was born in Palatka, Florida on November 20, 1953. She departed this life suddenly on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at her residence surrounded by her loved ones. Early in the morning, she earned her beautiful wings to fly off into the sky. Gladene was affectionately known as “Kool” to family and friends, but she was also known as “GaGa” only to her great granddaughter Lauryan, who gave her that special name. During her childhood years, Gladene’s parents moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut where she attended school and received her education. Then her mother and family moved to Atlantic, Virginia where she resided for over 50 years before her sudden death. During her younger years, she was employed as a housekeeper for several different companies. Years later, she became the head housekeeper for Mrs. Nancy & John Deshields of Chincoteague, Virginia who owned and operated Snug Harbor Cottages also in Chincoteague, Virginia. Gladene hobbies consisted of shooting pool, playing slot machines, crabbing, playing Spades and 5,000 with family and attending the live WWE Wrestling at the Norfolk Scope Coliseum. She loved watching old Western Movies, The Young and The Restless and The Bold and Beautiful. She took great pride in the raising and upbringing of her first grandchild, whom she nicknamed “Joe” and her first great grandchild, Lauryan Holden. Gladene leaves to cherish her precious and loving memories with: her two daughters, LaShon Walden and Tymesha Banks, both of Atlantic, Virginia; one grandson, Dwayne Holden, Jr. (Joe) of Atlantic, Virginia; one granddaughter, Jadia Jackson, formerly of Atlantic, Virginia, but now resides at VCU in Richmond, Virginia in her 2nd semester; one great granddaughter, Lauryan Holden of Atlantic, Virginia; two god children, Kemyah Pettit of Wattsville, Virginia and Alexis Williams of Atlantic, Virginia; one sister, Stephanie (Alexander) Williams of Wattsville, Virginia; two nieces, Aliyah White of Pocomoke City, Maryland and Rehanna Williams Wattsville; one nephew, Alanthus White, Jr. of Wattsville, Virginia; great nephews, Amarion and Messiah Wilson, both of Pocomoke City, Maryland; special friends, Ellen and Mrs. Fisher of Atlantic, Virginia, and Mr. Weslyen of Wattsville, Virginia and last but not least, Brandon the spoiled household pet. Also left to cherish her precious, loving and crazy memories are her RIDE TO DIE best friends, Patricia Byrd of Parksley, Virginia, Gloria “Glo” Phillips of Atlantic, Virginia, Cherylene Simpson of Atlantic, Virginia, Charlene (Painter) Riley of Atlantic, Virginia, Lola Lankford of Wattsville, Virginia, and several more relatives and friends. She definitely will be missed by all. WITH ALL OUR LOVE ~ THE FAMILY

Gladene Michelle Banks

November 20, 1953 - March 22, 2023