Glenda Irene Jeter

Glenda Jeter went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 24, 2023. She is survived by her husband, James Jeter, Daughters, Krysten (Coy) Chastain and LeeAnn (Matthew) Price and three grandchildren, Kyndle Chastain, LilyAnn and Samuel Price, and Brothers, Tony Vaccarella & Joe Vaccarella.

Glenda was born November 3, 1951 in Lubbock TX to Annetta and Leon Vaccarella. Her father was an officer in the United States Air Force and was stationed at multiple bases around the country during her childhood. They eventually set roots in Wichita Falls, TX where her father retired from Shepherd Air Force Base. As the eldest of 3 children, Glenda quickly found her calling as a nurturer and caregiver early in life. She often prepared meals and helped with the domestic chores in their home. As a young lady, she loved to read, she enjoyed playing the piano, she liked to do jigsaw puzzles and often had a hard time walking away before it was finished, she had a special talent for creative writing and a special gift with words.

She graduated from Rider High School in 1969 and went on to get her Bachelor of Science in Education from Midwestern State University. Before graduating high school, she met the love of her life James Jeter in 1968 and he quickly won her over with his charming wit, sense of humor and of course good looks. They married on August 22, 1970, and just celebrated 53 years of marriage. Jim and Glenda began their life together in Wichita Falls, TX. They were members of First Christian Church and served the church as sponsors in the high school youth fellowship group.

Glenda began her career as an educator in the Wichita Falls ISD. In 1976, they welcomed their first daughter, Krysten into the world and would find themselves moving to Arlington two years later. Shortly after, they welcomed their second daughter, LeeAnn in 1979. One of her greatest joys in life was being a mother and she was often referred to as Momma Jeter by friends of Krysten and LeeAnn. She was involved in every aspect of the girls’ lives from early on, from soccer games, to sleepovers, to special girls’ trips, she was fun and adventurous and even went parasailing a few years back. She loved the beach and loved the mountains, she loved nature and admired all of God’s beauty within it and taught her girls to do the same. She made lots of what most would see as ordinary moments, extraordinary moments. She taught them how to stand up for what they believe, how to put others before themselves by her example and to always put Jesus first.

She had a special way with kids and would soon go on to touch many other young lives as she began her teaching career at Pantego Christian Academy. After 8 years at PCA, she went onto work for the Arlington Independent School District with a focus in special education and then onto serve middle school students. Glenda ended her career in Mansfield Independent School District, where she worked in the middle school and then on to Mansfield HS where she was an ARD Facilitator. She had a positive impact in the lives of her students for 35 years, so much so that many students and parents kept in touch with her years later. She retired from Mansfield ISD in 2016 to finally pursue life as “Gigi”.

Her first granddaughter LilyAnn Faith was born in 2015, followed by Kyndle Rain in 2017 and Samuel Matthew in 2020. Her grandchildren quickly became her true love and joy in life. She poured into them selflessly. From sleepovers, to playing at the park, carousel rides, ice cream, and even simply snuggling on the couch, she loved every moment, and she loved them with everything in her. They adored and loved their Gigi and couldn’t wait to spend time with her. She truly was the best and a one of a kind Gigi. The bond she created with each of them will live on as we see her light shine through them.

Glenda loved gardening, being outdoors, sunshine in the morning and was referred to by her daughters as the plant whisperer, she could bring any plant back to life with her TLC. She had a positive influence on every life she touched. She was a servant to all. From caring for her parents in their last years to caring for her husband, her children and grandchildren, to helping every friend or even stranger in between, she truly had a servant’s heart. Her faith in God ran deep and she helped to instill that faith not only in her children but her grandchildren. She loved fiercely, unconditionally and with her whole heart. She was a true servant to the Lord and to all that knew her. She touched and blessed the lives of many. She was the most kind, gentle, and loving wife, mother, Gigi, and friend. She gave everything of herself to everyone all the time. Her dedication and devotion to God, her family and friends cannot be measured in words.

After being diagnosed with metastatic cancer in late July, her body began to fail quickly, and Jesus came to take her home only a few weeks later. Her everyday presence, her hugs, smiles, words of wisdom and encouragement, her unconditional love will be missed by her family. However, we will rejoice in her salvation, knowing she is with her Lord and Savior, no longer in pain, dancing in His presence; All for His Glory.

We would like to thank all of those who prayed for her and for us. As we learn to live life without her, we will hold onto all that she was, all that she gave, her unending love, and our unwavering faith in the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to New Faith Ministries (click here to donate) or to Sky Ranch Family Camp (click here to donate). Both are ministries that Glenda and her family hold dear to their hearts.

If you would like to like to send flowers for Glenda’s Celebration of Life, please have the florist deliver them to Wade Family Funeral Home no later than 10:00am on Saturday, September 9.