Obituary of Gladys Ham-Taylor

Gladys Ham-Taylor, 74, of Manalapan peacefully passed away on June 1, 2022 at CentraState Hospital in Freehold, NJ. She was born on September 6, 1947 to the late Joseph R. and Alma L. (Godbolt) Ham. The eldest of 12 children, Gladys was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister and aunt. Gladys was raised in Englishtown, NJ and spent most of her adult life in Franklinville, NJ before returning to Englishtown in 2010. She married William H. Taylor and had one son, Aaron. Gladys graduated from the Harlem Hospital School of Nursing, receiving her Registered Nurse (RN) degree. Her nursing career spanned 35 years, including direct care, supervisory and administrative positions. Her favorite was working in the “premie” ward taking care of the most vulnerable newborn babies. Gladys was a devoted member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Freehold where she served on the Stewardess Board, Ida F. Simpson Missionary Society, Golden Age Club, Choir and as a Prayer Warrior. She was also a member of the New Jersey Chapter of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) where she served as Chaplain. Her favorite pastime was thrifting and she volunteered countless hours at St. Peter’s Thrift Store in Freehold. Gladys is predeceased by her beloved husband, William, and her dearest son, Aaron; her brothers, Michael and Peter; and brother-in-law Billy Hollingsworth. She is survived by her sisters Christine Hollingsworth, Barbara Araya, Helene (Douglas) Townsend, Deborah (David) Whitt, Lorraine Ham, Sandra Ham, Fonda (Geraldo) Alfano, Trina (Raymond) Majewski, and Nicole (Derrick) Rice; sister-in-law Linda Ham; her most precious great-nieces and nephew, Chanel R. Hollingsworth, Sanai L. Price and Nasiar D. Niblack-Hollingsworth; and a host of beloved aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. A private family viewing and service will take place on June 10 with interment to follow at Old Tennent Cemetery, Manalapan.