Gladys Margarette Dorman

Glayds Margarette Carlson was born February 9, 1917 to Charlie and Margarette (Sutterland) Carlson in Portland, Oregon, in the little county of Multnomah. Gladys was the oldest of four kids. Lester, Charlie and Florence. She was the last survivor of her immediate family. Gladys was once married many years ago. But never had any fleshly children. Gladys's mother was a sister. Gladys was not raised in the Truth. She left home at 17 years of age to work and sent money back home to help take care of the family. It was after she left home that her mother learned about Jehovah and shared her hope with Gladys. Later Gladys made the Truth her own while living in Seattle, Washington. Gladys came to Alaska after the big earthquake in 1964. Her Mom and brothers were in Homer at that time. With her family she moved from Homer to Kodiak, Alaska. She took care of her mother in Kodiak until she died. In around 1978, Gladys moved to Anchorage. And this has been her home ever since. Gladys was a very loving and kind person. But Gladys was also a very private person. She did not tell many people about her past, her family history or problems. And like all of us she had many. Some friends helped her through her tough years in the Truth and she appreciated their friendship and love. She made the congregation, the organization her big family. As a result she has sons and daughters, sisters, and brothers. And that included many wonderful friends. Glads was baptized in 1942 and faithfully served Jehovah to her end. She began Regular Pioneering in the 1980's. Her only regret was that she had not started pioneering when she was younger. Gladys always longed to served at Bethel, New York. But was never able to have that privilege of service. Gladys was not shy about telling people about Jehovah and Christ Jesus our King. The Good News of the Kingdom was so important to her. She loved Jehovah and Christ so much that she found it hard to understand why everyone would not accept the Truth the way she had. Each person that knew Gladys had a special relationship with her. Many of us sisters, when we were younger had very special moments with her. When some of us were dating a brother we would talk to Gladys about the brother, especially when they asked us to marry them. We didn't always listen to her advise, but she gave it anyway. Gladys loved to make pretty things for the friend. Years ago she would sit by the window waiting for her pick up ride for service. While waiting she would knit or crochet baby blanets, afghans, pot holders, dish towels/cloths and other gifts for friends. She had a love of plants and animals. The cat at Providence Horizon House became her special friend. Gladys loved to read! She would read for hours. And often fell asleep with her Bible open on her chest. Research and Books made her happy. Gladys enjoyed having deep spiritual conversations. Sometimes she would talk about Brother Larson, Brother Knorr, and the two brothers who served in Alaska and others. They stayed at her house during those years and became friends. She had so many wonderful experiences to share about serving Jehovah during the war years. Example: When the bombing of Pearl Harbor was announced over the radio she was at an HH door sharing a thought about God;s word. Or when traveling to a convention in St. Louis, Missouri, some friends were tarred and feathered, but they still made it to the convention. Gladys lived Jesus words to the fullest at Mt 22: 36-39 To 'Love Jehovah with your whole.......... and your neighbor as yourself.' She looked forward to seeing her mom and other family members in the new system. But most of all she wants to see each of us in the new world when she wakes up. A special Thank You to ALL of the wonderful people, that Jehovah used to help Gladys with her health care in her final years. Each of you helped her to make it to the age of 98. And may Jehovah bless you for the loved and kindness you showed toward her.