1938-1998
Gladys Hillman-Jones worked 32 years as a teacher and administrator for the Newark Public Schools, becoming deputy superintendent. In her eulogy, Rev. James Scott said, “if Gladys left no other legacy it was that she told us in so many countless ways that we can make a difference”, and stated that she had a firm belief in the City of Newark and its possibilities for greatness. At her death, she served as executive director of St. James Preparatory School.
A Newark school was named in her honor, which was dedicated in 1999, when keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Joan Parrott said, “she chose to give her life to the community and to the children.” She also received many other awards for her work, including listings in “Who’s Who of Education” and an honorary degree frm Essex County College.
Gladys was born in Albany, New York and received her masters at Newark State. She served as president of the Newark Principals Association and was a member of the NAACP and Delta Sigma Theta. She also served chaired various educational advisory boards for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Rutgers University and Seton Hall University.
Bibliography
Photo, Barbara J Kukla Papers, CFCNJIC, Newark Public Library, digital.npl.org
Kukla, Barbara J. “Educators mourn two great losses: Hillman Jones recalled in grief and gratitude”, Jan 15, 1998
Kukla, Barbara J. “Newark dedicates a school in memory of beloved educator”, May 20, 1999
Newark Public Digital Collections 1 2
“Gladys Hillman-Jones, educator in Newark” Star Ledger Jan 9, 1998