The following obituary information includes some dates and excerpts taken from “The Huntsville Times, published Saturday, May 12, 2001, titled “Mothers of faith.”
Mrs. Millie Glover, affectionately known as “Mother Glover,” left an indelible mark on the Union Hill Primitive Baptist Church (UHPB) community. Her legacy is one of unwavering faith, service, and dedication.
Mother Glover’s started her walk with Christ in 1950 under the leadership of Elder Oscar Hamlett. In 1977, the UHPB members bestowed upon her the prestigious honorary title of “Mother Millie Glover.” She faithfully attended UHPB for most of her life, becoming the oldest member within the congregation.
In 1992, under the leadership of Elder Dr. Oscar L. Montgomery, the church recognized her leadership qualities and appointed her as Vice-Chair of the Mother’s Board. In 1998, she achieved another milestone by becoming the first inductee into the church’s Women’s Hall of Fame. Additionally, April 23, 2000, in recognition of her selfless service, she received the Union Hill Primitive Baptist Labor of Love Award.
Mother Glover’s commitment extended beyond mere titles. She actively served the UHPB community in various capacities:
1. Church Secretary: She meticulously managed administrative tasks.
2. Sunday School Teacher: Her dedication to teaching nurtured spiritual growth.
3. Operation Nehemiah: She contributed to the summer youth program.
4. Women’s Auxiliary: As secretary and youth advisor, she played a pivotal role.
5. Consolidated Flint River Water Women’s Congress: Mother Glover served as the dean, managing important responsibilities, and serving as treasurer.
6. Youth Congress Banking Committee: Her involvement extended to financial matters.
7. Achievement Award: The Women’s Congress honored her by naming an award in her honor.
8. 50 Years of Service Award: In the summer of 2023, the Women’s Congress celebrated her remarkable service.
On May 12, 2001, Mother Glover was featured in the Huntsville Times article titled, Mothers of Faith. Mothers of Faith. It was an in depth look about the power of a mother’s faith in God and his Word guiding and strengthening the congregation that she touched. Her role extended to assisting the church deacons and caring for individual wards (family groups). She believed that God had called her to serve, affirming that she was fit to be a servant of the people.
On September 02, 2011, Mother Glover was featured again in the Huntsville Times article, talking about the history of church – A Long Ways in 400 Yards: Union Hill Primitive Baptist Church celebrates centennial, with Deacon Tommie Milton, Mother Margaret Jasper, and pastor Elder Dr. Oscar L. Montgomery.
Despite facing physical challenges—arthritis and deteriorating bone joints—Mother Glover remained resilient. She underwent a left knee replacement surgery on September 11, 2001, seeking relief from her disability. Her unwavering faith sustained her, echoing the powerful scripture verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” For Mother Glover, God was her first priority, providing for all her needs.
On a personal level, Mother Millie Glover’s life was shaped by her mother’s influence. Her mother, Mrs. Savannah McCrary, played a pivotal role in shaping Mother Glover’s character. Mrs. McCrary, also was elected as a church mother during her lifetime at UHPB, instilled essential values in her daughter: honesty, love, kindness, and strong work ethics. She absolutely ensured that Mother Glover’s spiritual foundation was firmly rooted by consistently taking her to church.
As the youngest of six children, Mother Glover grew up in a close-knit family. Despite their modest means, LOVE bound them together. After her mother’s passing, others held her in high esteem, but Mother Glover humbly recognized it as a mark of respect.
Carrying her mother’s wisdom into her own life, Mother Glover embarked on a sixty-six-year marriage with William P. Glover (affectionately known as “Billy” or “My Billy”). He was not only a loving partner but also her rock and a dependable provider. Their paths crossed while attending Councill Training School in Normal, Alabama in 1950s. Together, they shared a passion for solving crossword puzzles (crypto quotes) and staying informed through the news of the day.
In a lesser-known chapter of Black History, Mother Glover made history herself. She became the FIRST Black supervisor at the Huntsville Store in downtown Courthouse Square, Alabama, under the banner of J.C. Penney. Later, she transitioned to The Mall located off Pulaski Pike and Memorial Drive. Today, the storefront of Home Depot at The Fountain occupies the space where the J.C. Penney store once stood. Her career continued to the Madison Square Mall location.
During her tenure at J.C. Penney, Mother Glover’s impact extended beyond retail. She mentored and trained hundreds of young sales associates, nurturing their spirits and emphasizing the importance of carrying the Lord’s spirit within them. Her love for young people became her most cherished lesson—one she shared generously.
Flora Pinchon, a close friend, and work colleague of Mother Glover held her in high esteem. They were inseparable during their time at the J.C. Penney store. According to Flora, Mother Glover was not only a role model but also a mother figure to her. Mother Glover’s kindness extended beyond the ordinary—she went out of her way to assist others and loved collaborating with people.
As her career journey continued, Mother Glover shared her nurturing skills with those seeking employment at J.C. Penney. After 32 years of dedicated service, she retired in 1994.
Mother Millie Glover’s legacy and compassion continues to inspire generations. It reminds us that faith, resilience, and service leave an enduring impact on those around us.
Mother Glover was preceded in death by William P. Glover (husband), Sam and Savannah McCrary (Parents), Sarah Lize Thompson and Beulah Mae Jamar (Sisters), Roy and Minister Willie C. McCrary (Brothers), and Lizzie Elizabeth Battle (Grandmother, affectionally known as “Big Momma”).
She leaves to cherish her memories with her only biological daughter, Gloria Maria Glover Traynum, who resides in Hapeville, Georgia, alongside her husband, Melvin Traynum; Her Grandchildren and Great-Grandson, Tiffany Maria Traynum-Ceromain and her husband, Shervon Mahandah Ceromain, residing in Smyrna, Georgia with their son, Nolan Micah Ceromain; Her Grandson, Amiel Traynum, residing in Hapeville, Georgia; her Step-Granddaughter, Stephanie Hyter-Rice, and her Husband, Jeffery Rice, and their children Jasmine Rice, Jeffery Rice, II., and Jada Rice who reside in Huntsville, Alabama; and Jannie Elizabeth Battle Burnett (Aunt) in Lorraine, Ohio.
Likewise, Mother Glover leaves to cherish her memories five (5) nieces (Betty Thompson Ragland (Sherman-Deceased), Elizabeth Thompson Royster, Loretta McCrary Ragland (Johnny), Charlotte Marie McCrary Ragland (Randolph), Wanda Jamar-Andreatte (Joe), four (4) nephews (Leon Thompson, Billy Ray Thompson, Kenneth Jamar, Lorenzo McCrary (Antoinette), Dewaun (BaeBae) McCrary and a host of cousins, great nieces and nephews.
Granddaughter Tiffany Traynum-Ceromain affectionately recalls Grandma Millie was a remarkable and loving grandmother. I will always cherish my memories of my grandmother and grandfather and spending my summers in Huntsville as a child. She and my grandfather played a significant part in shaping who I am today as a woman. And the icing on the cake, for those of you who had the pleasure to know her, was her spirited personality, LOVE of GOD and Family, and her uncanny ability to speak her mind, all while being loving, caring, supportive, and welcoming. This is what I admire and will cherish most about her, in loving memory.
Grandson Amiel Traynum recalls what Mother Glover, his Grandma Millie legacy is. “It didn’t take much to make her happy—a phone call, a card, a visit, or a kiss before saying see you in a few months. She lived to make our lives better and was proud of us.” No other person on earth could compare to the Love, I have for my grandma. As a trailblazer in corporate America, she gave me the genes to have the same success. I will miss her deeply but know that she can finally be at peace with being back with her second favorite person on earth, my grandfather, William P. Glover. Missed but never gone, I will always continue her tradition, speaking her mind and living with no regrets. Until we meet on the other side, she will forever be my most favorite person to talk to about the Bible and how we can always trust in GOD. Peace
Mother Jacqueline Stone Collier recalls lovingly that Mother Glover was more than my best friend, Gloria’s mother. She was just like having a 2nd Mother, after my mom died. Our relationship started in 1972 when I was in high school and continued to the JCPenney days where we worked together for seven years.
She was a highly respected woman. She was a woman of her word. She was one of a kind. When she spoke, you had better listen. So many times, we would be talking about things that happen, and I did not respond the way she wanted or did not say what she wanted to hear. She would be quick to say. “Mother Collier, you are NOT listening!”
She LOVED being a MOTHER at Union Hill Primitive Baptist Church, it was her Life. She always told me she was CALLED to be a MOTHER. She never called me Jackie again when I became a MOTHER. It was always “Mother Collier.”
Over the years sharing the position of MOTHER in church, she kept us on our peas and ques, understanding the policy and procedures as defined for the position of being a mother in the Primitive Baptist Church. She had her beliefs in the way things should go. I respected her highly for that.
Mother Marion Ray, Mother Anice Love, Mother Barbara Dowdell, and I adopted her, being the oldest Mother. We did our BEST to WATCH her as often as we could, showing her LOVE and how much we CARED for her well-being.
Nevertheless, we could not go up against God’s Will. She was ready to go to Heaven, to be with God. He was FIRST in her life; she LOVED the Lord, and He heard her cry. Rest in Peace, Mother Millie M. Glover. You will be Missed.
In closing, “Mother Glover” wanted everyone to know that she was born Monday, March 28, 1938, a poor girl that lived on Hollow Road, in the North Huntsville neighborhood known as “The Hollow.” She was NOT born economically into a rich family. She was a girl who grew up wanting to share the LOVE that her mother, Savannah McCrary, taught her.
Mother Glover was called home on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, leaving an indelible mark of love on her family, friends, and the members of the Union Hill Primitive Baptist Church. Her legacy is truly one of unwavering faith, love, service, and dedication.
The funeral service for Mother Millie M. Glover will be 1:00 p.m., Sunday, April 7, 2024 at the Union Hill Primitive Baptist Church (2115 Winchester Road, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Dr. Oscar L. Montgomery, Sr. officiating. Interment will be in the Valhalla Memory Gardens. Mother Glover will lie in repose forty-five minutes prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, April 6, 2024, and 9:00 until 11:00 a.m., Sunday, April 7, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home. All viewing will take place at Royal Funeral Home.
