Pamela Cay Gladden

Pamela Cay Gladden, 78, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Sherwood, AR on April 26, 2025. Pam was born in Ashland, KS on March 3rd, 1947. Her childhood was spent in Oakley, KS, the oldest of four rowdy children in a ranching family. On the ranch, she worked alongside the men and could ride horseback with the best of them. She fed cattle in blizzards and drove grain trucks when she could barely reach the pedals. Her lower left leg was completely severed at age16 as a passenger in a car accident. She spent 18 months in the hospital enduring surgeries and skin grafts to save it. She was tough as nails, a trait that carried her throughout life.

She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. Pam was an extrovert and a people person. She put these talents to work professionally, spending her career in mortgage lending, car sales and finance. She was a truly legendary salesperson.

Pam had a natural ability to connect with people and they were drawn to her. She was irreverent, fun, and funny. Impossible to ignore, she made friends everywhere she went and always up for good trouble (or bad trouble). She was quick to laugh loudly, and if Pam was around, you knew good times were ahead. She was magnetic—a force of nature.

Pam had three sons she loved dearly and could not have been prouder of. There was nothing she would not do for her boys. She lived a happy life with her husband, Tony and her beloved animals. Exclusivity was not something Pam believed, and everyone was always welcome in their home, no matter the hour.

Pam fed the homeless almost daily, rescued countless animals and was a second mom to many. She believed in underdogs and second chances. She was understanding, non-judgemental and had the ability to always see the best in a person. She inspired the self-belief and confidence a person needed to do something life changing. She helped people forgive themselves and pick up the pieces.

Pam was a beautiful person inside and out. She would want you to celebrate her life.

While the news of Pam’s passing will bring tears to many, her legacy is a joyful one. To continue her legacy, Pam’s wishes for you would be to help someone in need, invite someone new into your life, laugh out loud, and believe in yourself.

Pam is preceded in death by her parents Cora Ann (Cay) and Clarence James Harden, Jr., her sister Anita Moore, and her nephew Clarence James Harden IV.

She is survived by her husband Tony Gladden, her sons Barry (Natalie) Capps, Blaine Walker, Judd (Georgia) Walker, her grandchildren Harden, Pate and Jacqueline Capps, and June Walker, and her siblings, Jim (Jill) Harden and Mina Peterson (Joan Marshall).

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your local animal shelter or any organization that helps the homeless.

A Visitation for Pamela will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, AR 72117. A Celebration of Life will occur Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, AR 72117.