Gladys Amanda Coleman Roy

Published 11:00 pm Monday, April 1, 2013

Gladys Amanda Coleman Roy was born July 19, 1926 in Brookhaven, Mississippi to James Edward and Mamie Janana Bryant Coleman. She was the youngest of five siblings, including Lois Belle Coleman McKnight (now 94), Adair James Coleman (deceased, 2003), Jewell Bryant Coleman (now 89), and Edward Bryant Coleman (deceased, 1997).

Gladys graduated from Alexander High School in Brookhaven, MS in 1945. Afterward, she attended Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), where in 1949, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics. After graduation from Tuskegee, Gladys worked as an extension agent in Marion County Alabama, helping adults, youth, and families develop improved home and life management skills. She also served as a youth advisor in local elementary and secondary schools, and presided over 4H Club activities and county fairs.

Gladys married Joe Eddie Roy, Sr. in 1950. Together they raised three sons, Joe E. Roy, II of Niwot, Colorado, James W. Roy of Centennial, Colorado, and Jerry C. Roy, M.D. of Troy, Alabama. Just before their 38th wedding anniversary, Joe Eddie Roy, Sr. passed away on December 8, 1988.

Gladys began a distinguished 27 year career with the Denver Public School System in 1965, working for 3 years as a Home Economics teacher, 15 years as a Student Advisor, and for her final 9 years as a Middle School Vice Principal. In 1971, Gladys earned a Masters Degree in Education with a special endorsement in Secondary Administration from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. She retired from the Denver Public School System in September 1992.

Gladys was a member of Park Hill United Methodist Church of Denver, Colorado. Later Gladys became a member of the church of Christ, into which she was baptized by her son James.

For over 40 years, alongside her husband, Gladys was an industrious member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She received several service awards from the NAACP, primarily for her work with their Denver Youth Council.

In 1979, Gladys was recognized by the Denver Post Hall of Fame for her outstanding work with youth of the greater Denver community.

A committed educator, Gladys was a member of Phi Delta Kappa for 20 years, and was also a very proud elephant-figurine-collecting Golden Life Member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Gladys is survived by her three sons, Joe, James and Jerry, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two siblings, several nieces, nephews, and many additional relatives and friends.

Visitation will be at Fairmount Mortuary Chapel from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2013. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3 at Fairmount Mortuary Chapel. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. on April 3 at Fort Logan National Cemetery Staging Area “A”.

Please send condolences online via www.fairmount-mortuary.com.