Alice Elaine Glenn

Alice Elaine Glenn, aged 80, passed away peacefully at home in Gainesville, Florida, on March 25, 2025, with her loving husband, Arthur Glenn, by her side. She was born on March 9, 1945, in Pride, Louisiana, to Lula Bell Pullam and Jackson David Smith.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elaine lived her life in accordance with her deep faith and dedication to serving others. On March 25, 2025, she returned to her Father in Heaven, where she was joyfully reunited with her parents, Lula Bell and Jackson David, her brother Manny Smith, and her sister Norma Johnson.

Elaine led a life marked by compassion, service, and unwavering dedication to others. She believed that true goodness could be accomplished without concern for recognition or personal credit, embracing humility and kindness in everything she did.

Elaine was an accomplished scholar, graduating from Louisiana State University (LSU) with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She continued her pursuit of knowledge by earning a master's degree in Special Education from the University of Utah. Her intelligence and passion for learning enriched the lives of those around her.

Before serving her mission in Africa, Elaine dedicated five years as a Welfare Service Missionary, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) at the Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake City, primarily to African refugees. Her kindness and patience touched the lives of countless individuals seeking new opportunities and a fresh start in a foreign land.

From 2008 to 2010, Elaine and her beloved best friend and companion, husband Art Glenn, embarked on a humanitarian mission to Africa, serving as Country Directors for Humanitarian Services in the Uganda Kampala Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their efforts extended across Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan. They oversaw the construction of water projects in those countries that provided clean water to more than 450,000 people, significantly improving the quality of life for many communities.

Art often relates a story about the time they were eating supper in a small village in Sudan when a tall man in a suit came in, looked around, and shouted, "It's my teacher!" Dad likes to ask, "What would be the odds that you would run into a man that your wife had taught as a teenager seven years earlier and eight thousand miles away?"

When Art was called as Bishop of their ward, Elaine organized a project where members of the neighborhood began helping to serve dinner at the Salvation Army Food Kitchen in Salt Lake City. People immediately saw that they could provide even better meals if they also took food with them to serve. As more and more people wanted to help, this blossomed into full-blown Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, Taco Tuesdays, and more. Elaine got local hotels and restaurants to donate leftover desserts, and the Church to donate milk weekly.

While on their mission, Elaine also played a role in developing The Peace and Hope sewing and gardening project, which helped women earn income for their children's school fees. Additionally, she helped organize Christmas dinners for the New Hope for Africa Orphanage in Seta, Uganda.

After their mission, Elaine and Arthur settled in St. George, Utah, where they enjoyed their retirement years surrounded by family and friends. In 2021, they moved to Gainesville, Florida, to be closer to Art's side of the family.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Art; children: Shanna Glenn, Michelle Glenn, Julie Glenn, Matthew Glenn, and Margie Charley; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world, and she embraced her roles with unwavering love and grace.

Elaine's selflessness, faith, and dedication to helping others were evident throughout her life. One scripture she treasured, which was displayed on her missionary plaque, reads:

"But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him."

(Moroni 8:47)

Arthur lovingly recalled, "I cannot think of a scripture that describes Elaine more accurately than the one she chose to put on her missionary plaque. Truly, she was the heart of our family."

This April 2nd would have marked Elaine and Art's 59th wedding anniversary. Their enduring love story was a testament to their shared faith, unwavering devotion, and the beautiful life they built together. We will always remember all the "great adventures" they took us on!

Elaine's life is a testament to the power of selfless service and the profound impact one individual can have on the world. Her memory will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.