Shelby Meek Gladney

Shelby Meek Gladney

Shelby Meek Gladney, wife of Edward Lee Gladney, III of Bastrop, Louisiana, died Sunday, November 20, 2011. Born March 6, 1931 in Shreveport, Louisiana, she was the daughter of Mary Hazel and Samuel Shelby Meek.

She graduated from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana and earned a degree in education from Louisiana Tech University where she was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. Upon graduation she married Edward Lee "Boots" Gladney, with whom she spent the next sixty years. Boots and Shelby moved frequently, living in Pine Bluff, Vidalia, Mobile, Camden, and Bastrop. They moved to Bastrop four times before retiring there in 1993.

Shelby was active in church and community affairs wherever they lived. In Natchez she was a member of the Pilgrimage Garden Club and in Bastrop was a member of the Abram Morehouse Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Coterie Club, and the First Baptist Church. Her God and her family were the most important things in her life and she served them both well, giving her time and talents to each.

A talented cook, she always enjoyed giving food to others in times of need. Playing bridge and reading were two of her favorite hobbies. She was also known for her prolific letter writing and enjoyed corresponding with family and friends. All who knew her recognized a kind heart and concerned friend who could be counted on in good times and bad.

She is survived by her husband, Edward Lee Gladney, III of Bastrop, Louisiana, daughter Mary Guthrie (David) of El Dorado, Arkansas; son, Edward Lee Gladney IV (Sally) of Tomball, Texas; and son Van Hamilton Gladney (Kim) of Birmingham, Alabama. She is survived by seven grandchildren; Adam Guthrie (Valerie), Shelby Guthrie Denison (Sam), Hannah Guthrie Rutledge (Will), David Gladney (Kristen) Andrew Gladney (Melissa), Sarah Gladney, and Mary Dawson Gladney. Two great-grandchildren Mary Elizabeth and Van Denison survive her. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Elizabeth "Mimi" Mulvey of Louisville, Kentucky, her sister-in-law Wayne Gladney Phelps of Bastrop, Louisiana, and three nephews, David Mulvey, Goodwin Gladney, and Robert Gladney.

Preceding her in death were her parents Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Shelby Meek, her brother-in-law Charles Goodwin Gladney, and her nephew Ernest Mulvey.

Pallbearers are Sam Denison, Andrew Gladney, David Gladney, Goodwin Gladney, Robert Gladney, Adam Guthrie, and William Rutledge.

Services will be held 2:00pm Wednesday, November 23, at First Baptist Church of Bastrop, with graveside services to follow at Christ Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Cox Funeral Home of Bastrop from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 620 East Madison Avenue, Bastrop, Louisiana 71220 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Cox Funeral Home

Bastrop, LA