Cornelia T. Gladden

Gladden, Cornelia Ann Taylor passed away 13 years after defying the odds of Alzheimer's on June 14 2017 at the age of 90. Born January 23, 1927 in Newark, New Jersey to the parents of Harold and Vera Taylor. She had three siblings Carole Ann Reynolds (deceased), Uthman (Harold W. Taylor Jr.)and Beverly Rose Williams Odon.

She was married in June 26, 1949 to Clarence J. Gladden (deceased) for 52 years. They lived in New Jersey until 1974 where they moved to El Paso Texas with her final residence being Missouri City Texas. She was survived by her three children Stephen J. Gladden (Stephanie), Andrea S. Grimes and Jill C. Mays(Arthur), six grandchildren Stephanie M. Gladden, Clinton A. Mays, Leona M. Daniel, Mitchell A. Mays, Laura A. Grimes, Imani T. Gladden, two great grand children Jamie C. and Lyric W. Daniel and a host of family and friends.

With a love of caring for others she graduated from Jersey State Teachers College with a Registered Nursing degree from the Jersey City Medical Center School of Nursing. She retired from nursing in 1991. She was a recognized Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She was also a member of Phi Delta Kappa. She served on several boards in the states of New Jersey and Texas. In 1987 she received an award from the TEA for being Texas Nurse of the Year. In 1994 she received the Unsung Heroine award from the El Paso Women’s History Month Coalition. She was the first Black Nurse elected to the Hall Of Fame in the Texas Retired Teachers Association in 1997.

Her other affiliations were the El Paso Literacy Education Committee (charter member). Ysleta School Nurses Association (1st President -1985 –1988). Board of Director of YMCA, El Paso Del Norte Region 1991 -1991. Board of Trustee, Life Management Center 1981-1989. Member of the EMS Advisory Board 1993-1996.

We wish to recognize the staff at Autumn Grove Cottage for the loving care provided and the comfort, support and professionalism given by Pearland Medical Center.

A memorial celebration will be held at 2 PM on July 22, 2017 in the Chapel at First United Methodist Church Missouri City. The family is asking, in lieu of flowers, gifts or family help, for donations to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Cornelia T. Gladden at http://www.alz.org. Select “Make A Donation” and click “Yes” under tribute gift to make an In Memory of Cornelia T. Gladden donation. Any and all amounts are greatly appreciated. Final arrangements are being handled By Earthman Funeral Home.