Linda Kay Gladden, 66, of Germantown, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, September 6, at Methodist-LeBonheur Hospital following a five-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Originally from Sedgwick, Arkansas, Linda was born September 13, 1947, to Glendel and Virginia Whitener. Although she was an only child, she grew up with cousins from the Vance family who were as close as siblings. She went to Hoxie High School in Hoxie, Arkansas, and attended Arkansas State University.
She married Jerry B. Gladden, of Dyess, Arkansas, on December 22, 1971, in Sedgwick. Throughout their nearly 43 years together, they treasured their family and their home. Their marriage was a wonderful example of selflessness and love.
Linda worked as a teacher at Temple Israel in Memphis for 19 years and it held a very special place in her heart. She loved going to work and it was her greatest love other than her family.
She was a joy to everyone who knew her. She will always be remembered for her warm smile, her quick wit, her unique style and her love of life.
Linda is survived by her husband, Jerry; sons, Adam Gladden of Maumelle, Arkansas, and wife, Allison, and Michael Gladden, of Knoxville, Tennessee, and wife, Beth; three grandsons, Gus Gladden, Bob Gladden, and Henry Gladden, and numerous cousins, extended family, and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
A celebration of her life will be Monday, September 8, 2014 at 2:00 pm at Gregg Langford-Bookout Funeral Home, 300 W. Matthews Ave. Jonesboro, AR. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until service time all at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with Bro. Thomas Lamb officiating.