Delta State University mourns the loss of Marjorie Gladden, a dedicated member of the DSU community and retired staff member, who passed away on March 11, 2025, at the age of 70. In honor of her memory, the University flag will fly at half-staff through sunset on Wednesday, March 19
Marjorie was a beloved presence at Delta State, known for her kindness, dedication, and unwavering support of students and colleagues alike. A Cleveland native, she graduated from Bayou Academy before earning her bachelor’s degree in business from Delta State University. She began her professional career at DSU in 1990, working in the Perkins Loans Office before transitioning to Student Business Services in 2000. Over her 23-year career, she served in multiple roles, including Senior Secretary, Collections Clerk, Customer Service Representative, and ultimately, Coordinator of Third-Party Billing/Assistant Head Cashier, a title she held until her retirement in 2014. In recognition of her contributions, she was honored with emeritus status upon retirement.
More than her professional achievements, Marjorie was known for her compassionate spirit. She was a mentor and second mother to countless students, always ready with a kind word and a helping hand. Her impact on the Delta State community is immeasurable, and she will be deeply missed.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 18, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, Mississippi, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 PM. Interment will take place at North Cleveland Cemetery. Please click here for additional information.
Marjorie’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and service will always be remembered by the Delta State family. Please join us in celebrating her life and keeping her loved ones in your thoughts.
Her influence was deeply felt by colleagues and students alike:
Ms. Cheryl Ballard, Assistant to Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Emeritus – “A great friend I’ll miss terribly.”
Ms. Patsy Burchfield, DSU Assistant Emeritus to the Provost – “Marjorie was a caring, loving, Christian friend that stood behind you, supported you, always willing to help, do whatever you needed, and went out of her way to make sure your needs were met. Her sweetness and love reached out to many. We will miss her.”
Ms. Teresa Houston, DSU Retiree, Student Business Services – “Marjorie was a conscientious employee who was dedicated to the success of Delta State. She especially enjoyed serving Delta State’s students and celebrated their successes. My condolences to Jenny and her family.”
Ms. Marcia Lishman, DSU Coordinator Emeritus of Computer Services/Transcript Clerk
“Marjorie and I worked together in Student Business Services for over 20 years. She was very dedicated to the students that we served! She was always helpful and did a great job! She was a friend, and I will miss talking to her every week on the phone.”
Ms. Diana McDowell, Former DSU Admissions Recruiter – “Loyd and I were so sad to hear this! Mrs. Marjorie was such a sweet and special person. She really brightened any room she was in. We are so thankful to have known her!”
Dr. Billy Morehead, Chair Emeritus Div. of ACC, CIS, and FIN/Assoc Professor Emeritus of Accountancy – “When Audrey and I moved to Cleveland, we first got to know Marjorie and Joe Gladden through our church. Marjorie was one of my staff team members in Student Business Services. Despite the frustrations that can come from working with collecting money from students and parents, Marjorie always smiled and had a pleasant attitude. She worked hard to make sure that DSU students were taken care of, respected, and loved. Marjorie had a wonderful laugh. She was a great cook and enjoyed bringing foods to our “breakfast” birthday parties. She loved her family and was devastated when Joe was diagnosed with, and later died from, cancer. While taking time to be with Joe and Jenny during Joe’s illness, she did not back down from focusing on our students. As a work family, we hugged and cared for Marjorie. Even during the years since both of us retired from Delta State, we managed to stay in touch when she would come to the Jackson area. Marjorie was one of the kindest people ever. She enjoyed making others’ days better. She will be truly missed.”
Ms. Mary Jane Mullins Ervin, DSU Secretary Emeritus, Housing and Residence Life – “Marjorie was the sweetest, nicest, most helpful person I could have had the pleasure to work with. We didn’t work in the same office, but we often had to communicate from across campus to each other about work. After retirement, we found out our mothers had been school mates so we got to have a good visit with them one day and saw the joy in their faces about this childhood memory. Blessings on her family and for those who worked closely with Marjorie at DSU. You just never know if your actions touch someone else’s life.”
Ms. Suzanne Usery Oglesby, Former DSU Transfer Admissions Clerk – “I’m deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend. Her memory will live on through our countless visits and talks in my office. I’ll always cherish the peonies from my grandmother’s peony bush that she lovingly planted in her yard, bringing me so much joy each spring. Her thoughtfulness was a testament to the beauty of her spirit, and I have no doubt she’s now walking with Joe in God’s magnificent garden.”
Mr. Sammy Wilson, Retiree, Facilities Management – “It broke my heart to learn of this sweet lady’s passing. She was very close to my mother for many, many years and sold Avon to her. She should stop by our house and always recommended the best smelling perfume to my mother. I also enjoyed seeing her occasionally at Walmart. She always had a smile on her face. She will truly be missed.”
