Obituary of Gladys A. Pritchett

A life of eternal peace and rest was granted to Gladys Arnita Pritchett, (Niter) 70, of Newark, Delaware as she departed this life peacefully, on Monday April 9 ,2018, at Christiana Hospital, after a relatively short but chronic illness.

Gladys Arnita, named after her Mother Gladys Beulah, lovingly called Niter by her family, was the 5th of 7 children born to parents, the late Josiah Ezekiel and Gladys Beulah Pritchett of Wilmington, Delaware.  She was educated in various Wilmington Public Schools, starting at Mary C.I. Williams Elementary, and graduating from Wilmington High School in June 1966.  Gladys was active in school playing the violin, piano and the flute for many years.  She later joined the drill team at Wilmington High School.  One of the highlights enjoyed by her family, was watching her march in the various Wilmington parades representing Wilmington High.  After graduating, Gladys enlisted in the United States Women Marines Corps and headed to Paris Island, SC for basic training. 

Leading a military life as a Marine provided the opportunity to live in South Carolina, California and ultimately Hawaii.  Hawaii became the place she loved the most.  While serving in Hawaii, Niter was the lead female singer in a band in her spare time.  Earning the rank of Sergeant and after an Honorable Discharge, Gladys would resume civilian life and settle into the career as a Legal Secretary.  She worked for large legal firms in Glendale, California, outside of Los Angeles, and later relocated back to her hometown, continuing her career as a Legal Secretary in the Delaware’s Attorney General Office in downtown Wilmington.

Niter, Aunt Niter, Cousin Gladys, Arnita, Gladys, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, loved to read.  She acquired her love of reading from her father Josiah.  Niter became an avid reader and, in the past, used to trade Cowboy paperbacks with her brother-in-law Greg Scott.  She could devour a book in a few days and would be ready for the next one.  Her Kindle was a valuable gift, because it meant she would always have a book to read at her fingertips. Niter didn’t cook many dishes, but what she prepared, she cooked well. 

Quiet in nature, she was a woman of few words, but took pride in her appearance; known for dressing well, keeping her hair coiffed, and her fingernails long and painted, she loved clothes and owned enough pairs of shoes and clothing to open up a small boutique.  In her early adult years, she would sew and make clothes, an interest she inherited from her Mother Gladys.  Niter also loved music and owned an extensive record collection when she was younger.  She was generous and very giving, loved all her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children, and shared a very special bond with her niece, Wanda Pritchett-Curtis, and her nephews Marvin Pritchett and Greg Curtis, all of California. 

Niter will be missed immensely by her family.  She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, Sisters, Geraldine (Jeri) Cvengros of Reseda, CA, Janice Elaine Thomasof Bear, DE, Sheila Una Pritchett of Raleigh, NC, and Brother Harold Bernard Pritchett of Wilmington, DE; Brother-in-laws Gregory Scott of Bear, DE and Robert Cvengros of Reseda, CA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Preceded in death by Father, Josiah Ezekiel Pritchett; Mother, Gladys Beulah Pritchett; Sister, Barbara Ann Scott; and Brother Edward (Sonny) Josiah Pritchett. 

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family