She was born Jan. 11, 1944, in Maxeys, Ga., to the late Cosby Robinson and Rosa Lee (Keenebrew) Robinson. She was preceded in death by her brother, John H. Robinson.
In 1962 she graduated from Oglethorpe County High School in Georgia. She later graduated from Springfield Technical Community College, receiving a degree in early childhood education.
She served on many state boards addressing family and elderly issues. Upon moving to Springfield she met and married David C.E. Gladen and was also a member of Martin Luther King Jr. Presbyterian Church of Springfield, where she served in Ladies Guild, Outreach Mission and the church choir.
She was a member of Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church of Springfield at the time of her passing.
She leaves to cherish her memories her husband of 46 years, David C.E. Gladden; children: Malachi (Aidanira) Gladden, and Thessalonia P. Gladden of California; a special and devoted daughter, Joyce Westbrook of Springfield; brothers and sisters: Myrtis Robinson of South Carolina, the Rev. Edward S. (Edwina) Robinson Sr. of Cleveland, pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Cleveland, Minister Georgia Webster of Springfield, Almon Bobby Hanson of Massachusetts, Willie Hanson Jr. of Springfield, evangelist Mary R. Cameron-Sowell of Springfield, and Estelle Sims-Coleman of Springfield; six grandchildren: Shayla, Zechariah, Malachi Jr., Adayiah Gladden, Nathan and Joshua Diaz; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The wake and funeral will held at Henderson Funeral Home in Springfield, Mass. Calling hours will be Wednesday, from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by the funeral on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011, at 10 a.m.
Burial will be at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, Mass.
This announcement is courtesy of M.D. Dotson and Sons Funeral Home
Words of comfort may be submitted at www.mddotsonandsons.com.
