The Gladys Wade Dove Legacy Award
We wanted to honor our first Wade Johnson Moy Family Reunion President, Gladys Wade Dove, by naming an award in her memory to an individual that embodied her spirit, loyalty, and outstanding service to her family. Our first recipient was Ronald L. Norsworthy II who was honored with the award at our 2018 WJM Reunion in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Our President, Dianne Dove Houghton, made the following introduction:
“Ron's creativity and hard work has taken the family reunion to the next level. He is responsible for our current branding and the new website, which captures the essence of our family history (past and present), legacy, and the love of family members spending time during our reunions. Ron re-branded the family reunion to “Reunication” (reunion + vacation) and steered the way to have our first all-inclusive reunion at a resort. Ron was also responsible for putting his special touch on the beautiful new tradition of "the lighting of the lanterns" that were released in memory and celebration of our family members who have passed on. Ron is the founder of Mshumaa Bespoke Candles as well as a fine artist and he blessed all of the family members who attended the Florida reunion with a welcome gift of a hand-poured candle scented with a custom developed Magnolia fragrance.
Ron is also an advocate for social justice; like Aunt Gladys.
Thank you Ron for all of your contributions, hard work, and your love for family.”
ABOUT GLADYS WADE DOVE
Gladys was one of 13 children born to Abraham Wade and Rose Lee Moy Johnson Wade, who instilled in the minds and hearts of their little ones the love of family and the importance of family members gathering together to pray, to celebrate our deceased, and to break bread in fellowship. Her parents founded the first Wade Family Reunion. In 1978, Gladys, the 11th child, was elected President of the Wade Family Reunion. Under her leadership, the family reunion became the Wade Johnson Family Reunion, which later grew to become the Wade Johnson Moy Family Reunion.
Aunt Gladys, as she is affectionately known, was a graduate of Lewis Business College in Detroit, Michigan and was a member of the Gamma Phi Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Gladys was a civil rights activist who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. on the Great Walk to Freedom in Detroit in June 1963. On August 28, 1963, Gladys went to Washington D.C. where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech for jobs and freedom. She was also the business manager for Dove Brothers Construction Company where she and her husband, William (Uncle) Dove employed five to 10 people for various projects in the community and they gave summer jobs to their nephews.
Gladys' church activities included serving as the organizer and director of the Midwest Region Nurses health ministry unit from 1968 – 1988, as well as serving as Secretary of the Business and Professional Women's Unit of the Progressive National Baptist convention. She volunteered for the American Red Cross and served as a first-aid instructor. Gladys was a Christian, very loyal, faithful, selfless, and above all a dedicated servant to her family.
Gladys lived her life as a sermon. A relative could call her when in need and she would always figure out a way to help or be there for them.
Her experience in organizing specialized committees and her special ability to bring people together, combined with her vision and deep commitment to family, has inspired us all to keep alive our fore-parents’ legacy of the FAMILY GATHERING.