2004 Congressional Commendation for the Life of Mrs. Marie S. Gladden

The Marie Stapler Gladden Collection

Original embossed letter paper

2004-05-20

Rep. Corrine Brown; Corrine Brown

Marie Vista Stapler Gladden; Marie Stapler Gladden; Marie Stapler; Marie Gladden

U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., United States of America.

A formal letter of condolence and posthumous tribute dated May 20, 2004, issued on official U.S. House of Representatives letterhead, bearing the Great Seal of the United States. Signed by Congresswoman Corrine Brown on behalf of Florida's 3rd Congressional District, it honors Mrs. Gladden's lifetime of service as an educator, community leader, and woman of faith, and was issued in conjunction with services held at Zander's Funeral Home and St. Paul A.M.E. Church of Apopka.

Marie Vista Stapler Gladden (March 13th, 2004 - May 14th, 2004) was the retired principal of the historic Black school, Phyllis Wheatley High School. Marie Stapler Gladden attained a Master's in Early Childhood Education and Certification in Administration and Supervision from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, NY. Marie married Michael Gladden Jr. on June 16, 1935. She became the co-owner of M. Gladden Staple and Fancy Groceries and later, Gladden's Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaning. Marie began her teaching career at the Hopper Academy elementary school in Seminole County, later teaching in Orange County for thirty-six years, including at schools in Oakland and Clarcona. Marie was a member of the Orange County Teachers Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Omicron Omega Chapter, the Apopka Chamber of Commerce, the Apopka Historical Society, and the Apopka Senior Citizen Center. She lived to be 100 years old.