Gladys Marie, 83, was born on February 2, 1938 in Natchitoches, Parish to the parentage of Hattie L. Thompson-Shepherd and James Leo Braden. Gladys expressed hope in Christ at an early age. She exchanged this life on Earth for one of Eternal Life on January 28, 2022.

Gladys and her mother moved to Shreveport, Louisiana where she sojourned through the Caddo Parish School System, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School 1956. She attended Southern University, Baton Rouge, where she studied Microbiology. She obtained a Masters in Bacteriology from the University of Miami and went on to obtain her Doctoral degree.

Dr. Gladys Marie Braden-Reese was a modern-day Hidden Figure, being noted as the First African American Marine Biologist below the Mason Dixon Line. She served as Chief Biologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, N.O.A.A, from 1965 on to her Retirement in 2011. Dr. Braden- Reese, spent innumerable hours at sea, analyzing, observing, and accessing fish and mammals.

Gladys Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Carlton B. Reese, parents, Hattie Thompson-Shepherd, James Leo Braden, stepfather, Morris, son, Brian Reese, bonus sister, Mary Jean Shepherd-Andrews, nephew, Richard D. Allen, bonus brother, Jerry Jewel Shepherd, and double first cousin Almond Braden.

Gladys leaves an indelible imprint and memories in the hearts of her children; son, Michael B. Reese (Brenda), daughter, Carla Clark (Louis). Grandchildren; Christopher Reese (Sade), Antonio S. Clark, Antonece Clark. Great-Grandchildren; Mila’, CJ, and Zoey. Nieces; Anita Yvette Shepherd-Jones (Joe), Tanya Balthazar, Lisha Marie Andrews. Nephews; Paul H. Allen, Shaun Panyee King, Eric F. Andrews. Double First Cousins; Nettie L. Baker, Sandra B. Wright, and William Braden. Half-sisters; Carol Price and Denise Braden. Half-brother, Rev. James L. Braden Jr. (Sharon). As well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and Facebook friends.

Viewing will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Christian Love COLG, 4707 Martin Luther King, Moss Point, Mississippi. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow in Gabriel Cemetery, Market Street; Pascagoula, Mississippi.