Min. Glenda L. Wrenn

An Inimitable Life

Minister Glenda Louise Wrenn was born on November 8, 1949, in Cairo, Georgia—fondly known as the hometown of Jackie Robinson. She was the beloved daughter of the late Liscious and Alice Broadwater Williams, and the eldest daughter and second of seven children. Raised with strong values of faith, discipline, and perseverance, her father was a businessman who owned a local gas station. Glenda often reflected on her early years, including working in the cotton and tobacco fields as early as preschool, and teaching herself to sew by observing her mother’s craftsmanship. These experiences shaped her strength, resilience, ingenuity, and unwavering work ethic.

Her academic excellence was evident from an early age. She attended Washington Consolidated High School from first through twelfth grade, where she was a straight-A student and graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 1967. Her intellectual curiosity led her to Tuskegee Institute, where she studied radioisotope technology and began her collegiate journey as a chemistry major.

On December 23, 1967, she married Thomas Cloud III, who later matriculated at Emory University School of Medicine. During this season, she welcomed a daughter while continuing her academic pursuits. In January 1968, she transferred to Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she majored in English and found her academic and creative voice. She graduated in June 1972, joining the distinguished legacy of Spelman women.

While at Spelman, Glenda distinguished herself as both a scholar and a leader. She was nominated for departmental honors, helped produce the first Mass Communications television project at Clark College, and served as president of the first Black college chapter of American Women in Radio and Television. Her literary voice also emerged during this time, with selected works published in FOCUS Magazine.

Upon graduation, she was honored with a prestigious appointment as personal secretary to Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, the renowned educator, former president of Morehouse College, and spiritual mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Serving under Dr. Mays profoundly shaped her commitment to leadership, faith, and service. She remained in this role until relocating to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Faith and Love

On April 16, 1977, she married Dr. Walter F. Wrenn III, beginning a loving partnership rooted in faith and family. Through this union, she embraced five additional children, expanding her role as a devoted and nurturing mother. The couple began their life together in Wilmington, Delaware, where they welcomed their first child together. They later purchased a home and moved to Voorhees, New Jersey, where they welcomed a son, completing their growing family. It was there that they established a loving home and remained for more than 40 years.

Minister Wrenn’s professional journey was marked by versatility and excellence. She became a licensed real estate agent in Georgia and broke barriers as the first female marketing representative for Mobil Oil Corporation. She also served as a sales representative for American Optical, Inc., and later as a Community Relations Service Representative for the United States Department of Justice, where she worked to foster understanding and equity among diverse communities.

Her passion for education and mentorship extended into the classroom when she served as a teacher at Children of Promise Christian School and Childcare of Lindenwold and Cherry Hill, New Jersey. There, she poured into the lives of young people with patience, wisdom, and care, reflecting her lifelong commitment to nurturing the next generation. A lifelong learner, she earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Wilmington College (now Wilmington University) and furthered her theological studies at Palmer (Eastern) Seminary.

Faith was the foundation of her life. She accepted Christ at an early age, and later experienced a profound spiritual renewal at Faith United Christian Church, where she recommitted her life to Christ under the leadership of Rev. Walter McDaniel. This pivotal season deepened her relationship with God and prepared her for a life of bold and faithful ministry.

Ministry and Leadership

In 1993, she joined Vine Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. James Sterling Allen, Sr., where she was baptized and became a devoted servant. Over the years, she faithfully served in numerous roles, including Minister of the Missionary Society, Associate Minister of Evangelism, President of the Good Shepherd Ministry, member of the Board of Deaconess, Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School, and participant in Leadership Council, Hospitality, and Women’s Ministry. Her service was recognized in 2012 during the church’s 80th Anniversary.

In February 2010, she answered her divine calling and was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel, formally affirming what had long been evident in her life.

Her ministry extended far beyond her local church. She served as Clergy Chair of the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention Women’s Ministry, on the Board of the Eastern Region Women’s Ministry, and as Assistant Chaplain and later Chaplain of the Auxiliary to the National Medical Association. In this role, she supported the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative, advocating for early detection and education among African American women.

She also served as Chaplain of the Voorhees Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, was a lifetime member of the Spelman College Alumnae Association, and became a trusted member of the Board of Trustees of the African Textile Museum.

Minister Wrenn was known for her fearless evangelism and deep love for people. She never missed an opportunity to share the Gospel—whether in church, on the street, over the phone, or during personal interactions.

Her faith was active, bold, and unwavering.

Exemplary Courage

In January 2017, her health was severely impacted by a stroke that left her unable to move her left side. Yet even in this season, her spirit remained strong. She continued to travel with her beloved husband, including fulfilling a dream of an Alaska cruise, and remained active in ministry by calling into Wednesday night services and witnessing to caregivers and all she encountered.

In 2022, she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. In June 2025, she was diagnosed with metastatic disease. She relocated to Decatur, Georgia, where she was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Dr. Glenda Wrenn Gordon, and her husband, Dr. Akil Gordon. She entered home hospice care in February 2026.

Even in her final chapter, her life was filled with joy and meaningful experiences—a 76th Birthday Celebration at the African Textile Museum, a joyful bowling outing, a trip to the Georgia Aquarium with her grandson Josiah, and attending the Shen Yun performance with her daughter—one of her long-held wishes. Most meaningful was witnessing the baptism of her granddaughter Elisheva on March 15, a moment that brought her immense joy.

In her final days, her spirit remained vibrant. She expressed a heartfelt wish:
“Before I go, I’d like to have a Spelman outfit.”
Her brother Ronald lovingly fulfilled that request. With strength and grace, she dressed and recorded a final greeting to her Spelman sisters—a beautiful expression of her enduring pride and sisterhood.

Surrounded by love, comfort, and family, in the early morning hours of March 26, 2026, Minister Glenda Louise Wrenn peacefully transitioned to her eternal home.

Her life was a testament to faith, resilience, service, and love. She gave fully, lived purposefully, and left a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
Her favorite scripture reflects the essence of her journey:

Cherished Family and Legacy

Minister Glenda Louise Wrenn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Walter F. Wrenn III; her daughters, Aziza (née Debra), Kathy, and her son Walter; her sister, Bertha Williams; and her brother, Liscious Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving siblings: Beryl James (George), Griselda Lipscomb (Steven), Ronald Williams, and Joan Shiver (Andre); her devoted children: Karen, Jonathan (Joy), Katira (Fred), Glenda (Akil), and Gregory (Kera); and a host of cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends—all entrusted with carrying her legacy forward.

Tributes & Resolutions