Gloria Faye Martin Early departed this life on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.

Faye was born July 7, 1938 in Glasgow, Virginia, the daughter of the late Clarence Martin Sr. and Matilda Thompson Martin.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Elmer Early.

Faye was educated in the school districts of Henry County and Rockbridge County.

Faye accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, now Union Baptist.

She moved to Staten Island, N.Y., where she became one of the most loved and well-known mothers in her West Brighton community. Just about everyone in the neighborhood at one time or another spent time at Mrs. Early's home. Her sweet personality was infectious; anyone that knew her loved her.

She worked for the State of New York at Willowbrook State School, caring for children with intellectual disabilities for many years.

After retirement, Faye and her husband moved back home to Glasgow where she loved to be. She immediately became an active member at Union Baptist Church singing praises with the adult choir and the senior choir.

Famous for her delicious cooking and baking, you were guaranteed to have her baked chicken at any church event.

She loved doing her puzzles, watching games shows, Thursday shopping day with her baby sister, but most of all she LOVED her FAMILY.

Leaving to cherish her beautiful memory are five children, Danny Early of Suisun City, Calif., Theresa Early of Roanoke, Jeffrey Early (Ivonne) of Glasgow, Larry Early (Gayle) of Roanoke and David Early of Glasgow; 17 grandchildren, two of which were like her own, Darrow Shannon (Basha) of Severn, Md., Tontalia Harden (Vennie) of Lexington; 32 great-grandchildren; one brother, Clarence Martin Jr. (India) of Glasgow; two sisters, Shirley Johnson and Brenda Hunt, both of Glasgow; two brothers-in-law, Ray Early (Gloria) of Glasgow and Vernon Early (Lola) of Landover, Md.; one godson, Bruce Williams of North Carolina; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held at Franklin Funeral Home in Lynchburg on Wednesday, June 17, from 5 to 7. A graveside funeral will be conducted on Thursday, June 18 at Evergreen Cemetery in Glasgow by the Rev. Horace Rice with a small repast at the Glasgow Community Center.