Grief never ends… but it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith… it is the price of love.
Eulogy for Gladys Jato
Thank you for joining us today to remember, honor, and celebrate the life of Gladys Shapfi Jato.
Gladys left us just shy of her 50th birthday to be with the Lord. While we mourn her departure from this world and struggle to understand the void she has left behind, we also want to celebrate her life and the joy of having had her in our lives-as a mother, a sister, an aunt, a caretaker, a daughter, a dear friend, and a partner.
At the age of 16,Gladys moved to the United States from Cameroon and settled inBaltimore with her mother, Dr. Miriam Jato, to pursue a nursing career, just like her mother.She studied at Morgan State University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.While earning her degree, she worked at a beauty supply store just a block from home.It was there that her love for all things beauty was honed. Anyone who knew Gladys knew she had to have everything looking just right, especially hair and eyelashes.
To save money-and because she didn't trust anyone else with her look-she learned to do her own hair, makeup, nails, and eyelashes. Over time,she became an expert in her personal style and developed a rich understanding of the beauty supply business, even helping members of the community start their own businesses.
After college,Gladys devoted herself to caring for others. As passionate as she was about beauty, she was even more passionate about people. She took her nursing career seriously.
Recently, while working full time, she recertified as a Certified Nursing Assistant and was working toward becoming a Licensed Nurse. Making sure others were comfortable and cared for was her calling, and it showed in how she showed up for work-with joy, patience, laughter, and always fully made up, even on late-night shifts. Families remember her work ethic, her warmth, and the way she showed up as her authentic self. That is what they will miss.
In addition to building her nursing career, Gladys was the proud mother of two beautiful children, Jade and Greg Matthews-wonderful young adults who share their mother's love of laughter, her quiet intelligence, and her strong work ethic, and who heartbreakingly resemble her when they smile.
Gladys loved life and the pursuit of living fully. One of the greatest losses she endured was the death of her beloved brother, Bruce Jato, just shy of his 33rd birthday, about sixteen years ago-a loss that stayed with her. This was followed by the passing of her cherished father, Dr.Johnson Jato, a few years later. Like all of us, Gladys faced challenges, but she strove to be the best version of herself. In the end, she chose love-love for herself,her children, her church, and her family-and that choice helped her rise.
In the last few years of her life, Gladys joined the God Is King Center on Frederick Avenúe, where she served the community through the church's outreach ministry, helping provide hot meals to those in need. Pastor Moses Wang and her church family are deeply saddened and bittersweet by her passing and by the space of joy and service she leaves behind. Gladys loved The Lord. She was re-baptized last year and became deeply embedded in the fabric of her church family.
Gladys will be deeply and achingly missed by all who loved her-near and far-by those she cared for, those who cared about her, and by all who were touched by her life, her service,and her love.
Gladys, thank you for the love you poured into all of us, especially into Jade and Greg. We will take care of them, just as you always did.
Gladys, you ran your race with grace,faith, and love. May you rest in God's eternal peace,reunited with those who went before you.
Until we meet again, know that you are deeply and endlessly loved. We will hold you close in our hearts.
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As I sit here writing about you, my heart is full of pain. Yet in a strange way, I do not want to let go of the precious moments we all shared in Yaoundé. It was a home filled with laughter and joy. You and Bruce always created an atmosphere of happiness wherever you were.
I still remember how full of energy you were the day you and Bruce were leaving for the US. That memory remains so vivid and alive.
Today, you are all gone, and the silence feels heavy. Continue to take care of Bruce and Daddy in heaven.
Rest in power, Gladys.
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Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Gladys embodied throughout their life.
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