Mrs. Jessie B. Gladden

Jessie Benjamin Gladden, the daughter of the late Loue Valia Rawles-Benjamin and George Benjamin, was born December 11, 1930 in New York, NY. From Sinai Hospital, Jessie "walked into Heaven" on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. Jessie's mother relocated the family to the Occoneecchee Neck area of North Carolina, where she was educated in that school system. She earned her high school diploma from North Hampton County Training School. In 1953, she earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in Social Science and English from North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University. In order to pursue her professional career, Jessie moved to Baltimore, MD. She began her teaching career in 1956, at George Hamilton Houston Junior High School, #181. While teaching there, she met Elzee Gladden. In 1957, on April 16, Jessie married Elzee; he was the love of her life. The two of them were an absolute dynamic duo in the pursuit of eduation and higher learning in the Baltimore City Public Schools System. Jessie and Elzee believed in the pride and dignity of education as a catalyst for power and success. From that union, with great joy, in 1963, Marc was born; and in 1964, Lisa was born. Her family meant the world to her. In 1968, she taught at Pimlico Middle School until 1970. In 1970, until 1971, Jessie traded in her chalk and eraser for a camera and a microphone at Maryland Public Television. She was the host for "News Lab", a new thought provoking educational program. This was a platform that educated students on current news events in the State of Maryland. In 1973, she also earned her Master's degree in American History from Morgan State University. Jessie believed in hard work and the pursuit of enlightenment and justice. Her Master's thesis highlighted the medical accomplishments of the Johns Hopkins University of Medicine surgical technician, Vivian Thomas. Jessie highlighted that Thomas, with only a high school education, developed many surgical techniques. He pioneered the surgical procedure for what is known as, the "Blue Baby Syndrome". This innovation had been used world-wide. Jessie's thesis was titled, Vivian Thomas: Black Non-Doctor. The enlightenment of this information was ground breaking in the medical community. She truly believed in working knowledge being power. Her research was used for a televised documentary featuring Mr. Thomas. For twenty years, she worked as a supervisor for the Baltimore City Schools Social Studies department. She retired from the school system in 1992, and in 1993 she took a position as a teacher supervisor at the Johns Hopkins University until 2001. Jessie loved the Lord and was deeply devoted to her church. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Baltimore for over 40 years; where she also taught Sunday School. It was with great pride and joy that she loved to brag about the accomplishments of her children. She was so proud of Marc when he earned his dual Master's degree of Human Service Administration from the University of Baltimore and Coppin State University and when Lisa graduated from the University of Maryland Law School, subsequently becoming an attorney. With exuberance and excitement, Jessie boldly campaigned for Lisa's success every step of the way to becoming a Maryland State Senator. Jessie rejoiced that as a family, she, Marc, Lisa and many other family members and friends worked diligently to that end. She praised God for such an awesome accomplishment. Jessie has been our book of knowledge, our historian and pillar of strength. Her guidance, love and caring has been immeasurable. That sweet giggle, and illuminating smile will never be forgotten. She leaves to forever cherish her memory: her son, Marc Elzee Gladden; her daughter, Senator Lisa Adrienne Gladden; her grandson, military soldier special forces E-4 Jonathan Marc Gladden; her sister, Estelle Wilkins-Clark; her brother, Ernest Benjamin; and dear cousin, Eula Gray; in addition to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and many special friends. She was preceded by her husband, Dr. Elzee Charles Gladden, and her sister, Charlotte Williams.

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Mrs. Jessie B. Gladden

December 11, 1930 - August 17, 2016