Myrtle Elizabeth Glenn

Mrs. Myrtle Elizabeth Glenn was born on August 16, 1927 in Urbana, Ohio to Frances Hill Stevens and Harry Stevens. She made her transition on Saturday, August 20, 2011 just days after she celebrated her 84th birthday. Her daughter and granddaughter were right by her side in her final moments. She married 1st Lt. James Edward Glenn on January 1, 1946 and moved to his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. They moved to California for two years, where their daughter Jamia was born, and then returned to Columbus, Ohio, where James attended The Ohio State University, majoring in Architectural Engineering while maintaining Straight A's and working two jobs. In 1950, Myrtle started working for the government at The Depot and was employed there for ten years. James, a night club owner in Urbana, was paralyzed from the neck down when he was injured in an automobile accident. For three years after the accident, he was able to speak and maintain his mental faculties during which time Myrtle made the lengthy trip (regardless of weather) to visit him daily. He passed away January 20, 1959. In 1962, Myrtle and Jamia moved to Altadena, California, where Myrtle's mother was living. In 1963, Myrtle became an employee of the City of Pasadena and worked there for 29 years. She was a substance abuse counselor for 17 of those years and helped so many men and women fight through their addictions. She worked as a community activist in the Altadena/Pasadena area for over 30 years and was involved with numerous organizations, on many committees, and was a part of many groups. She was also a founding member of the City of Pasadena's Clerical Union, where she served as their president, and a charter member of the Pasadena Black Employee's Association. She has received numerous awards, plaques, and recognition for her involvement and commitment to her community. In April of 1992, Myrtle was also selected as California Mom of the Year after Jamia wrote an essay nominating her. Myrtle's dream of a recovery center for women and children came to fruition in November 1992, when Glenn's Hope, a non-profit organization named in her likeness opened its doors to house eight women and eight children in January 1993. She was known to be straight forward, truthful, strong, loyal, dedicated, committed, and a deeply caring person who loved and supported her family (and many others). Myrtle was loved by many and will be deeply missed. The world has lost one of its jewels. Myrtle is preceded in death by her husband James Glenn, mother Frances Kennon, and father Harry Stevens. She is survived by her daughter Jamia Shepherd; granddaughter Kymia (Greg) Ferguson; great grandson Jaylen Ferguson; brother Kevin Kennon; aunt Viola Green; niece Brianna Kennon; and a host of other relatives and friends. Homegoing Service 10 a.m., Friday, August 26, 2011 in the chapel of DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long Street, where the family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the start of service. Entombment Oakdale Cemetery, Urbana, Ohio.