Gladys B. Lloyd

Gladys Virginia Brohawn Lloyd, formerly of Vienna and Cambridge, died April 9, 2011 at William Hill Manor, Easton, Maryland. She was 99 years of age. Gladys was born January 19, 1912 in Salem, Maryland, daughter of Harry Lane Brohawn and Lettie Oliphant Brohawn. She attended school in Vienna and graduated in 1929. She enrolled in Salisbury Normal School and received her Teacher's Certification in 1931 at the age of nineteen. She began to teach in one-room schools a�" first at Lawson School (Griffiths Neck) and then at Elliott Island. Later she was assigned to Vienna Elementary School where she taught for six years. During her early years of teaching she continued her studies at University of Maryland, Peabody Music Conservatory and Salisbury State Teachers College, now Salisbury University, and received her Bachelor of Science degree and Advanced Professional Certificate. In 1938, she married L. Eldridge Lloyd., residing in Vienna for thirteen years. During this time, she had three daughters and taught in Hurlock. She and Mr. Lloyd were divorced in 1970. In 1951 the family moved to Cambridge and Mrs. Lloyd continued her teaching career in the public schools of Cambridge a�" Peach Blossom, Academy, Glasgow and St. Clair Elementary. She was the first teacher to be assigned as a full-time music teacher in the elementary schools of Cambridge. More than one hundred students studied the elementary flute under her guidance. She will often be remembered for the musicals she wrote and directed by correlating school programs with the subjects being taught. After retiring from the public school system in 1979 Mrs. Lloyd continued to teach for twelve years at Golden Shore Christian School (formerly Academy School). During her teaching career of 51 years, she received special recognition for her outstanding teaching profession and excellent attendance. Mrs. Lloyd's lifelong passion for music included singing in choirs and glee clubs, playing the mandolin in the Vienna Orchestra and later playing the saxophone in the Salisbury Normal School Band. She was an enthusiastic song leader for numerous school and church programs, family reunions, parties and other events. She had the special knack for instilling an interest in music and a desire to sing in those she directed. Her hobbies were varied and ongoing. Volumes of dated photographs provide a genealogical record by telling the story of births, marriages, reunions, life styles and humorous occasions. All her life much energy and enthusiasm were clearly demonstrated in entertaining family and friends, bird watching, sports, scrapbooks and photography. Mrs. Lloyd was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church, Baraca Class and United Methodist Women; a volunteer director of the Youth Choir for ten years and a past member of the Administrative Board. She was always grateful and proud to be the oldest active member of Grace Church for many years. When asked her secret to living a long healthy life she would reply that it was attributed to three elements: prayer, attitude and laughter. In addition to her church activities Mrs. Lloyd was also a member of the following associations and organizations: Dorchester Retired Educators Association, National Educators Association, Maryland Retired School Personnel Association, Salisbury University Alumni Association, Dorchester Historical Society, Dorchester Center for the Arts, the Friends of Blackwater Refuge, National AARP, Dorchester AARP, and the Dorchester Memorial Hospital. For many years she was very active in raising funds for the March of Dimes, American Diabetes Association and St. Jude's Children's Hospital. "Miss Gladys" will always be remembered by family, friends, former students, fellow teachers and countless others whose lives have been touched by her gracious, dedicated and fun-loving spirit. Preceding her in death were seven brothers and one sister. She is survived by three daughters: Patricia L. Rayne of Nacogdoches, Texas; Virginia Lloyd of Jupiter, Florida; and Jane L. Johnson of Baltimore, Maryland, and three granddaughters, one grandson, eight great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandsons and several nieces and nephews. At the request of Mrs. Lloyd, her body has been donated to the Anatomy Board of Maryland for the advancement of medical education and research to provide a legacy for the improved health of generations to come. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Cambridge. Arrangements are being made by Thomas Funeral Home P.A., Cambridge. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Grace U.M. Church Music Program, 501 Race Street, Cambridge, MD 21613; or Dorchester Retired Educators Association (DREA) Scholarship Fund, c/o Nancy Jackson, 5655 Springdale Road, East New Market, MD 21631; or the Friends of Blackwater Refuge, P.O. Box 1231, Cambridge MD 21613.