Mabel L. Glasper

Mabel Lee Glasper, 99, of Joliet, IL, was born December 22, 1926 to John Morris and Ella Durnes in Senath, MO.

Mabel was a multifaceted woman. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, cousin, and friend!!! If Mabel loved you, you heard from her. She would either call you from her cell phone or her iPad. If you didn’t answer, her voicemail would say, “This is Mabel (mother, grandma) just checking on you. Talk to you later, Bye now!”. 

Mabel was very family oriented and had a big family that she and JD created together. Eighteen single births! After raising her children and retiring from Ingalls Hospital in Harvey, IL; Mabel extended her heart and home to about 30 foster children. A woman of such little stature, carries such a rich legacy!

Mabel loved to tell stories of her travels across the world. She would often say, “I’ve gone from here to South America. I’ve fished in the Potomac River and the Pacific Ocean.”. At 97 she traveled to Jamaica and had the time of her life! She said, “I feel like it’s my birthday!”. Even when her mobility challenged her, she never stopped traveling.

On Monday, February 16,  2026, Mabel accepted her eternal reward. She is preceded in death by her parents; John Morris and Ella Durnes; husband, JD Glasper Sr.; three daughters, Elaine Glasper, Artney Glasper, and Diane Glasper; two sons, Garvin Glasper (Beverly) and Phillip Glasper; two grandsons, Bradley Johnson and Eric Ulmer.

Mabel leaves to cherish, four daughters, Gwendolyn Ulmer (Howard deceased), Mary Johnson, Jacqueline Glasper, and Tara Glasper; four sons, JD Glasper Jr. (Debbie), Fletcher Glasper, Gary Glasper (Zerbinetta), and John Glasper (Baytina), and a 100 plus grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great- grandchildren. Also a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

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