Gladys Vollmerhausen, a woman of dedication and an enduring spirit, passed away peacefully at her home in Savage, Maryland, on May 8, 2026. Born on January 24, 1928, in the very town where she would spend a majority of her life, Gladys was deeply rooted in her community and her church, from which she cherished the profound connections it afforded her.

The daughter of the late Hurnie H. Whitehead and Beulah M. Reeley Whitehead, Gladys embodied the virtues instilled in her from a young age. Her hardworking nature was a defining aspect of her character, guiding her through the many chapters of her long life.

Gladys was preceded in death by her brother, Hurnie H. Whitehead Jr., her sister, Florence K. Doughty, affectionately known as “Flossie” and her daughter Kelli A. Cook. Their memories remain woven into the fabric of her life and the legacy she leaves behind.

In her later years, Gladys was lovingly cared for by Aura Mendez, a devoted caretaker and good friend, whose compassionate presence brought comfort and companionship. She is survived by treasured family members who held a special place in her heart: her granddaughter Emily Cook and her stepdaughter Bonnie Ayers. 

A visitation to honor Gladys’s memory will be held on Sunday, May 17th, at 3:00 P.M., followed by a memorial service at the Savage United Methodist Church, located at 9050 Baltimore Street, Savage, Maryland 20763. Friends, family, and community members are invited to gather and celebrate the remarkable life of a woman who exemplified the dignity and resilience of her hometown.