Wilhelmina Shields Gladden

Service: 10 a.m. Tuesday at Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel. Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. Monday.

Wilhelmina was born in Colorado City on June 27, 1922, to William Elmer Shields and Dewey Hobson Barnhill. She graduated from Paschal High School in Fort Worth, received an undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University, and later obtained a post-graduate degree in education. In 1950, Wilhelmina married Donald Charles Gladden (who would later serve as a state representative from Tarrant County in the Texas legislature), and thereafter pursued a career as a public school teacher in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford School District for several decades prior to her retirement.

Wilhelmina was a devoted member of Handley-Meadowbrook Christian Church in Fort Worth, and remained active after her retirement. She received many awards for her volunteer service in her community, including the "Tennis Shoe" Award from the Tarrant County League of Women Voters, and was perhaps most proud of her volunteer work as a legislative specialist for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Her efforts in the latter capacity contributed to enactment of statutory reforms by the Texas Legislature to govern nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

Wilhelmina was preceded in her death by her husband, Donald Charles Gladden; her daughter, Patricia Ann Gladden; and her older brother, William Elmer Shield Jr.

Survivors: She is survived by sisters, Jimmie Smith of Dallas and Mildred Epps of Kerrville; and by her sons, Greg Gladden of Houston and Richard Gladden of Denton. Wilhelmina is also survived by her grandchildren, Scott Gladden and his wife, Amanda, of Arlington, Gunnery Sgt. Christopher K. Jackson and his wife, Emilie, currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Damon Gladden of Springtown, Brooke Gladden of North Richland Hills; and 10 great-grandchildren; all of whom will greatly miss her.