Service was held 2/1/25 at Bethel Baptist Church. Arrangements entrusted to Preferred
Cremation and Burial.
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Gladys Marie Edmundson Slater, affectionately called by many “Ms. Bethel”, was the
epitome of unshakable faith, boundless love, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to her family, church, and community. From a young age, she was an encourager and
possessed the rare gift of bringing out the best in everyone, characteristics that were true reflections of her God given extraordinary love for mankind.
Born on June 19, 1949, in Navasota, Texas, Gladys was the cherished daughter of Garrett Leroy Edmundson and Lue Dell Banks Edmundson. A Juneteenth baby in Texas, she took her first breath on such a historic day in American history and was destined to become a living testimony. She was the oldest of two children, and her brother, Norris “Pappy” Leanard Edmundson, was her best friend. When Gladys was just two years old, her parents relocated to San Diego, California, and joined Bethel Baptist Church as a family in 1952.
Throughout her life, Gladys was a faithful and dedicated servant leader at Bethel Baptist
Church, where she met the love of her life, Earl Slater. God blessed this couple with 52
years of marriage grounded in love, trust and commitment. Earl and Gladys were proud
parents and doting grandparents to the joy of their lives.
Gladys was active and engaged in all activities her children participated in. Gladys was
always determined to give her children every opportunity to succeed. One of Gladys’ proudest moments in life was witnessing her children receive their Bachelor’s Degrees from Morehouse and Spelman Colleges.
On January 17, 2025, the Lord called Gladys home to rest and whispered ever so softly
“Well done my good and faithful servant. It is now time to receive your eternal reward.”
She was preceded in death by her parents; Garrett Leroy and Lue Dell Banks Edmundson, and her brother Norris “Pappy” Leanard Edmundson.
She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband Earl Slater, her loving children; LeMar Slater (San Diego), LeRoy (Lauren) Slater (Tampa), and Leanea Edmundson (San Diego), her nephew Nakia Edmundson (San Diego); her granddaughter Amiyah Slater (Tampa), her goddaughter Karen Strickland (Washington, DC), and a host of loving family members and friends who will forever remember the memories they were fortunate to create with her and her faith walk.
