Mt. Airy Hall of Fame- Gladys R Molesworth

Gladys R. Molesworth

October 24, 1922 -

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

Gladys was born in Jonesboro, Tennessee during the depression.  In 1944 Gladys enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served as a wave.  She was discharged as a Store Keeper 3^rd Class in 1946.  Gladys came to Mount Airy to visit relatives and friends.  She was impressed with Mount Airy and decided to make it her permanent home.

Her first job was at a restaurant in Mount Airy owned by Carl “Teen” Smith and William E. Wagner, Sr.   The restaurant was located in what is now the Olde Town Restaurant on Main Street in Mount Airy.  In 1946 Gladys met J. Raymond Molesworth whom she married in 1947.  From 1947 to 1957 Gladys was a stay at home mom raising their children, Ray, Ron, Diane and Sandra Lee.

In 1957 Gladys and her husband opened the “Sandra Lee” Motel on the Old National Pike.  The motel was named after their youngest daughter.  The business flourished because it was the only motel from Baltimore to Frederick.  The business was sold in 1979.

Gladys has been very active in community organizations.  She has been a member of Prudence Chapter #95 of the Eastern Star, serving the chapter for 56 years.  Gladys was awarded the Honor of Worthy Matron of The Eastern Star, an unmatched record of six times.  The Make A Wish Foundation (helping youths with cancer) is Gladys’ favorite charity.

Gladys is a member of the Mount Airy American Legion Gold Star Post #191 and the Mount Airy VFW Post #10076 Auxiliary and she was a member of the now disbanded Kiwanis Ki wives.  

Gladys has been an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church since 1947, serving on many committees within the church family.  Gladys looks forward to serving her church and community for many more years.