Evangelist Charlita Gladena Gladden, 66, was affectionately know to her family, friends and church members as "Bonnie". After fighting the cares of the world: walking and running this Christian race, God gave His child rest from her labors and welcomed her to everlasting life in His loving arms on October 2, 2021 at Novant Forsyth Medical Center, after fighting the Covid-19 virus.

Bonnie was born on May 13, 1955 in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Shelma E. Gladden. Shelma met and married John H. Brown and together they raised Bonnie to the best of their ability as a family. Bonnie attended the WS/FC schools and graduated from Parkland High School in 1975.

Bonnie worked several jobs until she became a permanent employee at IFB Solutions, (formerly known as Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind) in 1985. During her time there, she made and shipped thousands of military items to the U.S. Army. She remained in that position for several years until she was promoted to retail manager of IFB's Optical Department. She later became a Customer Service Representative of the Optical Department. Bonnie remained at IFB Solutions until she retired on January 10, 2020 after 35 years of employment.

During her early Christian years, Bonnie was a faithful member of the Church of Thunder, under the leadership of the late Bishop James H. King and the late Evangelist Barbara G. King. While being a member there, Bonnie served as a Missionary and Sunday School Teacher. Bonnie was appointed President of the Missionary Board by Bishop King. She was also a member of the church's first choir, "The Voice of Thunder". Bonnie was anointed by God and after accepting her calling, she was appointed to the office of an Evangelist by Bishop King. Bonnie loved her church family and was always present to be a part of any and and all church functions. She remained a dedicated member until the passing of Bishop King.

Having been under such strong leadership and teaching of sound doctrine by Bishop King, Bonnie knew that her next covering would need to display the same passion, leadership and teaching as Bishop King. After much prayer and seeking God for direction, she was led by The Father to Pastor Aldine Ingram Jr. of Steadfast Life Changing Ministries Inc., where she joined and remained until her death. Her work and calling from the Lord didn't stop as she remained an integral and valuable part of what Pastor Ingram lovingly calls his "Dream Team" of Ministers. Bonnie also carried on her work as a Missionary and was again appointed  President of the Missionary Board by Pastor Ingram. Bonnie was a true laborer did not sit on idle hands. She did whatever was asked of her and anything else her hands and heart found to do.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her mother, Shelma E. Brown. She leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy, two children, Shavon Gladden and Jamarr (Kiara) Gladden; 6 grandchildren,  Jontae Gladden,  Cori Witherspoon,  Dondrail Gladden, Kaleyah Price, Kaydinse Willis-Price and Kyan Gladden; her father, John H Brown, Sr.;  one sister, Jonhnetta H. Brown; and one brother, John H. Brown Jr. She also leaves behind two other devoted sisters, her close friend, Frankye Majett; and her cousin, Kaye (Joseph) Adams. Bonnie also leaves behind a whole host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

We will all miss her smile, her laughter, her loving, non-judgmental ways, her love of family, and most of all, her constant praise, her unwavering faith, and her great love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.

Private funeral services will be held Monday, October 11, 2021.