In Loving Memory
4 November 1981 — 8 May 2026
Mazowe · Harare · Johannesburg · Cape Town · Home
The Tribute
A life, briefly told.
She walked the world as a giver — brightening the lives of those privileged to have known her.
Rest in peace, our beloved.
A life, in the chapters she lived.
Two ventures, one belief — that no one should be left behind.
Gladys-May
Master of Ceremonies · Moderator · Women’s Leadership Guide
Her professional website
She lived by a philosophy she called Grace in Motion: leading without performing, present even when the stakes were high.
NEMI AI
Free AI education and tools for Africa
NEMI brings AI to people building real things — traders, farmers, salons, home businesses across Africa. Gladys-May’s particular calling within it was the women: the conviction that no woman should be left behind.
Daughter · Written
A beautiful soul with a heart of gold. She will be remembered for her kindness. Her gentle words and warm smile left a lasting impression. Her soft voice and warm heart will be deeply missed.
She was so dear, and loved by all. Forever will be missed. May her dear soul rest in eternal peace till we meet again.
Sister-in-law · Written
Just been going through our chats. Indeed she was more of a friend than vamwene. For me it was the smile, always. The crazy conversations between vamwene nemuroora ekunakurirana nyoka mhenyu — I would say “mama uyu mwana wenyu,” then she would throw back the ball in my court: “he is your husband.”
Concerning my kids’ successes she would be there cheering. Saka manje mama Precious tese takawanda kwedu kudai so, mmm, handizivi hangu. Holy Spirit our comforter we need you. My heart is sore and heavy.
Friend & fellow student · Written
I met Gladys-May in 2022 when she first moved from Mpumalanga to Cape Town with her family. At first, we only exchanged casual greetings, but our bond truly grew when we met again during our school interviews. Together, we went through three interviews, a three-month trial period, and final exams. Out of more than 100 people, the two of us successfully made it through and qualified for our bursaries together with our overseer Charity Nkomo. We were so excited that we began doing everything together — school, assignments, and church.
During our time at school in 2023 and 2024, we worked incredibly close. We would wake up early to study, share our work, and even trust each other with our passwords to check on each other’s progress. We truly treasured those moments — laughing, traveling, or just sharing the commute when she took the bus and I caught a taxi. It felt as though the little girls inside us had come alive again. We were grown women going back to school, but we were absolutely full of joy.
End of May 2024 I took a break from school and she then followed in September. Our bond deepened even further when we stepped into leadership together. From 2024 to the present, we served faithfully side by side on the ladies’ provincial board, with me as the Provincial Chairlady and her as the Regional Chairlady. By 2025, our partnership grew even stronger as we coordinated across multiple ministries; we served as regional coordinators alongside our husbands, and we also worked together as provincial couples directors. We were constantly planning and serving side by side.
Fellow minister, Mpumalanga · Written
I had an opportunity to minister together in Mpumalanga Province as youth advisors and PC secretaries, also when she was Vice General Sec at the Church office and I was a committee member of finance. We had a good working relationship throughout. She was just a good young sister to me, though she would not admit that she was younger than me. Every time we met she would say, “Oh Manunure, you said you are older than me — kkkk, but I don’t trust you,” then we’d laugh and continue with work.
She was so dedicated to the work of God. I will miss her for that. May her soul rest in peace.
Celebration Church family · Written
On behalf of Pastor Precious Mushayi’s sisters from the Celebration Church family — sincere condolences. We mourn with you, FIF body of Christ, on the loss of a woman of such great witness for God’s kingdom.
I would like to remind us of what a mighty man of God — Evangelist Billy Graham — famously said: “Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it! I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.”
The same goes for Elder Gladys. She is more alive now in the arms of her Maker, receiving her “Well done, good and faithful servant,” her crown and reward, living in her mansion, witnessing His presence by seeing God live, seeing her name emblazoned on God’s hall of fame, standing among the heroes of faith and singing with the angels.
To be absent from the body is to be present with Christ. Great grace upon you all — her family, all loved ones, and the flock she shepherded.
Former colleague · Written
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my former colleague Gladys. She was such a respectful, humble, and friendly person. Although she worked in another department, she was always cheerful and would often come by to greet me with warmth and kindness.
What touched me even more was the support she showed me and my family when I lost my son last year. Her compassion during that difficult time will never be forgotten. May her beautiful soul rest in peace. She will truly be missed.
Friend, Guru Nation · Written
This was my first time meeting Doc G at our meeting at Guru Nation last year. The way she smiled at me and said, “Today you are going to do the speech for Qwili” — I tried to refuse, but she said, “I have seen it in you, I know you can do it, Tosh.” And it was the first day to see her. We could just pass greetings here and there on WhatsApp, but she would be preaching about love. Words can’t explain the void she has left in each one of us. I know she is in a safe place. May the Lord continue to comfort us all. RIP my sister Gladys.
Elder, Zone 8 Deeper Life · Written
26 April 2026, on Zone 8 Deeper Life, we took this pic. Elder Gladys — indeed she has genuine love. She taught me how to sell clean and pack maguru. She kept on encouraging me every day. Truly she was a woman of God, vanga vasingasarudze — she loved everyone. Iyezvino ndaveshasha yekutengesa because of her. Heaven has gained a good person. Fly high, my dear Elder. I am going to miss your genuine smile and hug.
Friend · Written
I am short of words. All I can say — rest in glory and power, Mama Gee-May. Your gap, we shall feel it; or I can say we have started feeling it already. But it is well, Ma.
Short tributes from the WhatsApp groups where the news has been carried — friends, colleagues, fellow ministers, and the wider community.
“Go well Gladys… Enjoy heaven. Till we meet again.”
Primrose
“Go well Elder Gladys, forever missed.”
Mrs Machakache
“This is heartbreaking. May your soul rest in peace, woman of God.”
Memory’s Cakes
“Sleep well, gentle heroine.”
Baked Treats by MK
“Go well Elder Gladys, forever missed.”
Miriam Gonzo
“Sleep well Elder Gladys. Till we meet again.”
Callie
“Till we meet again, sweetheart.”
Mona Lisa
“Goodbye Elder Gladys. I will forever miss you, my friend. Heaven has gained an Angel.”
Prudence N. Zibowa
“Till we meet again, forever loved.”
Thelso (Mai Kyle)
“Go well Elder Gladys.”
Euna
“Go well mai Mukono.”
Melody
“Go well Elder G.”
Marian M. Chipezve
“Go well, woman of God.”
Mama G
“Go well, our hero, Elder Gladys.”
Mercy Sawuz
“Rest in power, mighty warrior. Till we meet again — thank you for being you, and for the great impartation in our lives.”
Syntra
“Go well, my sister.”
RC
“May your dear soul rest in peace. You were truly sold out for Jesus, committed to seeing the work of God progressing well. May God continue to strengthen and comfort the families.”
Chidz Botique
“On behalf of fellow sisters of Pastor Precious Mushayi from the Celebration Church — sincere condolences from the ladies’ ministry.”
Eminence
Gladys-May Mukonowenzou, born on 4 November 1981 and called to eternal rest on 8 May 2026.
Gladys-May was a woman of love, kindness, and generosity whose life touched many hearts. She was a giver in every sense — always ready with a helping hand, a comforting word, and a warm smile. Her presence brought peace, joy, and strength to those around her.
To her beloved husband, Raymond, Gladys-May was more than a wife — she was a true life companion, a faithful partner who stood beside him through every season of life with unwavering love, support, and dedication. Their bond was one built on friendship, sacrifice, and deep affection.
As a mother, Gladys-May was the light of her children’s lives — Tawananyasha, Takunda, and Glenda. She nurtured them with endless love, wisdom, and care, always encouraging them to dream, grow, and walk in the right path. Her love as a mother will forever remain a guiding light in their hearts.
Gladys-May was one of the most beautiful souls you could ever meet. She had a deep passion for life and a rare gift for connection — able to find her way to anyone she met, often through her laughter, making whoever she was with feel like the most important person in the room. She saw opportunity where others did not, and she was, above all, a giver.
A Master of Ceremonies, moderator, and conversation curator, she was known for her commanding presence and nurturing elegance, and lived by a philosophy she called Grace in Motion — leading without performing, present even when the stakes were high. She was a prayer warrior for her family and friends.
She brought together her love of numbers, accounting, and technology with a fierce belief in women’s empowerment, and through NEMI AI she devoted herself to bringing women into the world of AI. She believed no woman should be left behind. That was Gladys-May: grace and purpose, always moving together.
Though her earthly journey has ended, the memories she created, the love she shared, and the lives she impacted will live on forever.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, children, family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Rest in peace, Gladys May Mukonowenzou.
Forever loved. Forever remembered.
Celebration of Life & Send-Off Service
“I fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
Service One
Cape Town
Celebration of Life & Send-Off
Date
Thursday, 14 May 2026
Time
19:00 — 21:00
Venue
Forward In Faith Church
Cape Mega City, 21 McIntyre Street, Parow
Service Two
Harare
Gathering, Funeral Service & Burial
Gathering
6302, 153 Circle
Kuwadzana 5, Harare
Burial
Warren Hills, Harare
Date
Sunday, 17 May 2026
Watch the Services
For those who couldn’t be there.
Cape Town
Part One
Part Two
Harare
The Send-Off
Watch the Send-Off On FacebookThis page grows as the people who knew Gladys send us their words. We are creating a place where she lives on — where we always have somewhere to return.