Obituary of Jolyn Glenwood Redding

On Wednesday, September 10, 2014 the angel of the Lord saw fit to take into his heavenly arms, Jolyn Glenwood Redding, as she passed away at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, New York. Jolyn was born on July 26, 1956 in Halifax, Virginia. She was the eldest child of Mattie Whiting and the late Lawrence Edmonds. She attended the public school system of Halifax, Virginia from kindergarten through fifth grade. Thereafter, she attended public school in Mount Vernon, New York. She furthered her education at Branford Hall Career Institute and earned a Certificate Degree in Medical Administrative Assistant. She continued earning college credits at Bryant and Stratton College. From an early age, Jolyn loved the Lord with all her heart. Her love for Him, led her to be baptized at the age of nine. She then joined New Bethel Baptist Church of Halifax, Virginia. In 1966, she moved to Mount Vernon, New York. Soon thereafter, she joined Unity Baptist Tabernacle, Mount Vernon, NY where she was an active member in the church school and choir. When she relocated to Albany, New York, she joined Mount Pleasant Baptist Church where she served on the Missionary Ministry, the Pastor's Aid Ministry, the Bible Study and Church School Ministries, and sang joyfully with the Adult Choir. Jolyn was first united in holy matrimony to Paul Dennis Smallwood, who predeceased her. This union brought together nine children. She was then united in holy matrimony to James Edward Redding and enjoyed 21 years together. This union brought together six children. She was very kind and passionate about family and friendships. And she lived life to the fullest with simple pleasures such as praising God, reading books, snacking on Argo starch, spending time with her family, especially her grandsons, Trayvon, Xavier, Gregory and Jiaire. She nourished the people around her with love, infectious laughter, strong faith and fun. Jolyn leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband James E. Redding, her beloved mother, Mattie B. Whiting, her lovely sister Monica L. Whiting-Hogans and brother-in-law Neil, two step-brothers Floyd and Vernon Whiting and step-sister Patricia Crittendon. Four sons: Vershawn Smallwood, Pamona NY, James E. Lucas Barksdale-Swanson, Savannah GA, Paul "Roman" Dennis Smallwood II , Albany NY, Anton Redding, New Rochelle NY. Six Daughters: Tamika Buxton, Collegeville PA, Colleen Barksdale, Monroe NY, Cassonya Smallwood-Butler, Pamona NY, Wakita Smallwood, Albany NY, Ebony Smallwood, Mount Vernon NY, Dominique McGregor, Spring Valley NY. Also to cherish her memory are a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. She is predeceased by her step-father Floyd C. Whiting, Sr. and step-sister Annette Whiting. Visitation will be from 5PM until 7PM, Friday September 19th at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 441 Washington Avenue, Albany. A Home Going Celebration will follow at 7PM. Jolyn will be laid to rest in the Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands. Those wishing to attend the graveside committal service may form at the cemetery gate at 9:45AM Saturday morning September 20th. The graveside committal service will begin at 10AM. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Riverview Funeral Home, Inc. of Troy, NY. Visitation 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, September 19, 2014 Mount Pleasant Baptist Church 441 Washington Avenue Albany, New York, United States 12206 Home Going Celebration 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Friday, September 19, 2014 Mount Pleasant Baptist Church 441 Washington Avenue Albany, New York, United States 12206 Interment 10:00 am - 10:30 am Saturday, September 20, 2014 Albany Rural Cemetery Cemetery Avenue Menands, New York, United States 12204