Melanie Gladden Obituary

Family-Placed Death Notice

MELANIE ANN GLADDEN Melanie Ann Gladden, of Canton, lost her battle with breast cancer Tuesday, August 21st, 2007, which was also her 55th birthday. She was a Georgia native and a Master Teacher for the education program at Kennesaw University. She trained a number of student teachers for the future of education in Georgia. Melanie was a 5th grade teacher at Big Shanty Elem. in Kennesaw, GA for 33 years. She was loved by students and fellow teachers. Her strongest attribute was coming up with new and creative ways of teaching the basic materials. She always had a practical reason for learning. She used persuasive letter writing to help one of her students get housing after Katrina destroyed their home. Her class wrote letters to USHER on behalf of their classmate explaining the situation and asking for help. The letter was so outstanding the little girl's family received housing. A number of Melanie's students have become teachers because of her influence on their lives. Melanie was named to the Who's Who in Education; this honor came from a nomination by one of her students. Melanie was a member of the Atlanta Track Club. She loved to run every day. Her two favorite races to run each year were the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and The Peachtree Road Race. Melanie participated in both of these races for years. She is survived by husband, Jim Gladden of Canton; daughter Alex Gladden of Canton; sister Dianna Martin, sister and brother in law Debbie and Clark Brown and brother and sister in law Steve and Sandy Sherer; many nieces and nephews. Services Saturday, August 25th, 2007, 11:00am at Chapel of South Canton Funeral Home. Visitation 6pm - 9pm Friday, August 24. Those desiring may make a donation to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Atlanta Chapter, PO Box 934048, Atlanta, GA 31193 in Memory of Melanie Ann Gladden.

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Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Aug. 24, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Melanie Gladden

10 Entries

Tony Sotres

August 30, 2007

Mrs.Gladden the best teacher I have ever had. I was in her 5th grade class at Big Shanty Elm. and my older brother as well, Adrian Sotres. My brother and I loved her as a teacher she would always challenge and help us as much as possible. I thank Mrs. Gladden for making 5th grade the best year ever. My prayers are with her family. We love you Mrs.Gladden.

Tulio Hidalgo

August 30, 2007

Although I live in Venezuela with my family,We never forgot about her, She was an excellent person who taugh many wonnderfull things to my son Gabriel when we were in Kennesaw on 2002-2003.
Durig this time, Gabriel was a Fifth Grade student of Big Shanty E. S.
My expressions of simpathy for her family.

Gabriel Hidalgo

August 30, 2007

I had Mrs. Gladden in 5th grade in 2002-2003. That was my first year in the US and she made it just about the best school year I've had in my life. She taught me hundreds of things when I could barely speak english. I will never forget those days when she read those really fun stories for us. She was really special to me and to my family, we were extremelly sad and shocked when we found out. We will NEVER forget her. Our prayers are with her family.

Dustin Latham

August 29, 2007

Ms. Gladden was my 5th grade teacher. She really challenged me to do better at school and in all extracurricular activities. She even attended a Baseball game of mine. My friends and I who had her are all very saddened. My prayers are with Her family

Stormi Kenney

August 27, 2007

My daughter Skyler was in her fourth grade class the year that she wrote the letter to Usher to help the student in their class get housing. The whole process was an amazing event for the kids in her class to participate. It taught them all about generiosity and reaching out to those in need. Skyler really enjoyed learning the way that Mrs. Gladden taught. She was always excited to go to school and I always looked forward to my teacher conferences so that I could visit with Melanie. Our prayers and sympathy will be with your family.

BillieAnn Beard

August 25, 2007

Jim and Alex, I knew you both so well through the sweet things Melanie had to tell me. I remeber you Alex always. Your mother was so excited about you coming into the world long before you arrived. You were her world! I loved Melanie as a friend and as a coworker on the staff at Big Shanty and the sunshine of her life will always live in my heart. We had a great bond, her teaching 5th grade and my sweet little kindergarten students. We learned so much from each other as "Book Buddies". Jim and Alex, you were blessed with Melanie in your lives. You are in my prayers and have been for a long time.
Billie Ann Beard

Mary Beth Williams

August 24, 2007

Mrs. Gladden was my son's teacher and she nicknamed him "Mr. Practical" which we still call him today at the age of 22. Whenever I ran into Melanie (usually walking the track) she would give us the friendliest greeting and always asked how Mr. Practical was doing. Please know we are praying for you all during this difficult time.

Cathi Perry Jordan

August 24, 2007

Melanie and I became friends at 14 yrs. old. She was one of the best and most loyal friends I have ever had. The last several years we would see each other 2-3 a year. It wouldn't take 5 minutes and it would be like we saw each other every day. I loved her so much and am so completely devastated at her passing. She will continue to live in my heart forever.

Diana Poore

August 24, 2007

Melanie was a very special person. I don't think I have ever met anyone who had such a positive attitude. Melanie always thought of other people and not of herself. I will miss her so much.
Diana

Stan and Beth Gladden

August 24, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Alex and Melanie's family at this time. We love you.

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