Reflection of Life

Sis. Gladys Mae “Madea” Calhoun

Ecclesiastes 3: To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A Time to Be Born

Gladys Mae “Madea” Calhoun, born February 25, 1932, was the only daughter of Ulysses and Beulah Rhodes. She was preceded in death by her father, Ulysses Rhodes, her mother Beulah Rhodes, and three brothers: Joe Eddie Jenkins, Willie Rhodes, and James Rhodes.

A Time to Plant

 Gladys was raised in the Richwood Community and her formal education began in the Laster School in the Richwood Community of England, AR. It was there that she received her training in elementary  and secondary schooling.

On September 13, 1948,  she was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Ralph Calhoun and to this union eight children were inducted into the life and legacy of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and Gladys Calhoun. They included Juanita, Delois, Shirley, Jackie, Debra, Ralph, Jimmy, and Steven.

Gladys’ life of employment support included the Kellwood Company, also known as Ottenheimer and “ The Rock.” After twenty-six years in retail sales, she retired from J. C. Penney Company at North Little Rock, AR.

A Time to Serve

Gladys, at an early age, realized the need for spiritual leadership. As result she united with Mt. Zion Baptist Church in the Richwood Community, England, AR. Upon moving to North Little Rock, she united with the King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. C. L. Criner, followed by Rev. Leo. J. Thomas, Rev. Nathaniel Hall, and Rev. Charles Caradine. As a vibrant and active member of the church she participated in the Mass Choir where she was known for singing songs such as “Don’t Let My Running Be In Vain,” “There’s a Leak in This Old Building,” “Tell Me How Did You Feel, When You Come Out the Wilderness,” “Move on Up a Little Higher,” and her most recent CD released in 2022, “One More Sunny Day.” She was also a part of the Drama Club where she served as Co-Chair of the drama, “The Crucifixion of Jesus.” Here she served as Pilot’s wife, Claudia. She served many years as a teacher in the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School ministries and as a member of the church’s decoration committee. Her final commitment was that of a member of the “Mother’s Board” of the church, where she remained faithful until her health began to fail.

Her civic duties included a long-standing membership in Gleaner Star Chapter #338, Order of Eastern Star where she served in various areas of service to the North Little Rock Community. She served faithfully in her church and other organizations until her health began to fail.

A Time to Die

Early Monday morning, December 30, 2024, God said, “Come home my good and faithful servant and she did. She traded mortal for immortality and accepted the invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

A Time to Mourn

She leaves to cherish her memories four daughters: Juanita (Marion) Butler, Delois Calhoun, Shirley Smith, and Debra (Harold) Butler. Four sons: Jackie (Alma) Calhoun, Ralph Calhoun, and Steven Calhoun, all of North Little Rock, and Jimmy Calhoun of Okinawa, Japan, Sixteen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving and extend family members and friends.