Three Coatesville graduates to share Gladys Flamer Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship recipients Shakira Lewis (from left), Sydney Coppadge, and Jocelyn Brown pose with Mildred L. Dixon (second from left), president of the Women’s Democratic Club of Chester County (WDCCC) in front of Gladys Flamer’s Merchant Street home in Coatesville.
A year and a half ago, Coatesville lost a burst of sunshine when longtime resident Gladys Flamer died at age 105; however, her legacy continues to shine bright, as three scholarship recipients can attest.
On Friday, three Coatesville Area School District graduates each received a $500 Gladys Flamer Memorial Scholarship from the Women’s Democratic Club of Chester County (WDCCC). Organizers said they had intended to select a single $1,500 award-winner; however, three candidates emerged with outstanding academic and leadership accomplishments and a desire to further their educations within politics or community leadership.
Flamer, who became an inspiration for Coatesville pride and tenacity, moved to the city from a nearby farm after high school. She married a truck driver, lost two children in childbirth, and owned a city beauty shop for decades. She also held jobs at Lukens Steel, the Pennsylvania Railroad, the V.A. Medical Center, and the former Embreeville Hospital.
But it was her employment at Strawbridge and Clothier, where she worked as a sales associate until she was 90, that generated the most headlines. A flamboyant fixture on city streets, she drove her signature red and white 1979 Cadillac Coupe Deville until age 103, remaining active in numerous organizations.
The scholarships recipients are Shakira Lucas, who will be attending Immaculata University; Sydney Coppadge, who is headed to Penn State; and Jocelyn Brown, who is going to Temple. In addition to the scholarship, the students will become automatic members of WDCCC, which will follow them academically for possible future funding opportunities.
