LINNEA SWENSON | staff writer
Friends and family gathered in UTCC on Friday, Feb. 27 for a memorial service to celebrate the life of Gladys Wilson, a faithful servant and the director of Heart to Heart ministries.
At the memorial, a portrait of Gladys was created by the fond memories and kind words of the students, faculty, family and friends that loved her.
The memorial was a remembrance of Gladys’ life and a celebration through scripture, hymns, special music and tributes from many of those close to her.
“Gladys served a faithful God and she was faithful to us [at APU],” Campus Pastor Woody Morwood said.
Friends and family described Gladys Wilson as a strong, lively, encouraging and faithful person. She was also described as a dedicated servant to this university and the Heart to Heart ministry for over 20 years.
During the memorial, as part of the Heart to Heart tribute, senior social work major and current mentee of Gladys, Jessica Fetner, shared some of her experiences and memories of being in the Heart to Heart ministry under Gladys’ guidance.
“I was intimidated at first, but after we started I realized that God had planned for us to meet. I felt privileged and honored to be meeting with the director,” Fetner said.
Fetner began her weekly mentoring meetings with Gladys in the fall of 2007.
“She was so positive. She taught me to look at the big picture and what it means to follow Christ and follow his plan and to depend on Him. I really needed that,” Fetner said.
Gladys had a heart for helping college women, which became even more obvious as Fetner described how she was one of six girls Gladys was mentoring last fall.
“It’s funny that an 85-year-old woman can relate to college girls so well,” Fetner said.
Gladys Wilson’s life touched many students, faculty and staff who either worked with her or had the opportunity of knowing her as a friend. It is no doubt that the ripple of her ministry, in the hearts and lives of young women, will last for many years to come.
