Mrs. Montrose Burks Gladman

Montrose Burks Gladman was the fourth child of six born to Carl Albert Sr. and Carrie Cook Burks in Wytheville, VA. Montrose departed this life on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at the home of her daughter. She was the last surviving sibling. Montrose Burks attended Wytheville Training School and graduated, with honors, from Scott Memorial High School in 1954 where she excelled as a basketball player. Montrose attended Kittrell Junior College in Kittrell, NC and graduated with an Associate Degree in Business in 1956. After graduation she worked for the President of the college. She married George Gladman, Jr. and moved to Columbia, SC. Montrose was the mother of three extraordinary children, Charnita, Tijuana and Christopher. Montrose’s career included, in 1962, working as the secretary to the principal of Burke High School in Charleston, SC and Administrative Assistant to the President of Benedict College 1964-1968; Secretary to the Principal of W. A. Perry Middle School 1968-1975. She returned to Benedict College as the Secretary to the Personnel Director 1975-1980, and she worked in the Registrar’s office 1980 – 1999. Montrose retired from Benedict College in December 1999. Montrose joined Chappelle Memorial AME Church in the late 1960s where she became a member of the Floral Club and served on the Usher Board, Trustee Board and the Pitch-Ins. Montrose was also selected as the 1994 Woman of the Year. In 1977, she volunteered to play the piano for the Children’s Choir and helped organize the first Children's Choir Concert. She later began playing piano for the Chancel Choir, the Voices of Chappelle, and the Contemporary Voices of Chappelle. Montrose continued to serve faithfully as the pianist in Chappelle Memorial AME Church until her retirement January 25, 2015. Montrose loved music and played saxophone as a member of a local band along with several of her high school buddies in Wytheville, VA. She always said what they lacked in talent, they made up for in enthusiasm! Montrose’s God-given talent was playing the piano by ear since the age of five. She enjoyed playing and being of service to the Lord. Her other hobbies included listening to music, sewing, reading, and dancing. Montrose loved to line dance and did so with the Shepherd Center of Eau Claire. The group regularly performed at the SC State Fair. In addition to her parents, Montrose was predeceased by her five siblings: Carl Jr., George, Mary Elizabeth, Thomas, and Robert. She is survived by her three loving children, Charnita Gladman of Blythewood, SC, Tijuana Gladman of Columbia, SC and Christopher Gladman of Orangeburg, SC., her 105-year-old aunt, Clara Ruth Burks and her special cousins: Tanis Stewart, Natalie Matthews, Gordan Wheeler, Patricia Cowan-Seaton and Rosalind Lee. She will also be remembered by her sisters-in-law, Hattie M. Barclay and Cora Pugh, brother-in-law, Ervin Gladman, a host of nieces and nephews in Virginia, South Carolina, District of Columbia, Maryland, Detroit and Georgia as well as countless children she “adopted” who lovingly call her Momma G.

Mrs. Montrose Burks Gladman

November 25, 1937 - December 13, 2023