Gladys Noon Spellman (born Gladys Blossom Noon on March 1, 1918, in New York City) was an American educator and Democratic politician who represented Maryland's 5th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from January 3, 1975, until her incapacitation in 1981. The daughter of Henry and Bessie G. Noon, she attended public schools in New York and Washington, D.C., before studying at George Washington University and completing graduate work at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Prince George's County, Maryland, where she became active in local politics. She married Reuban Spellman and had three children. Her political career advanced in the 1960s with service on the Prince George's County Board of Education and as a Maryland state delegate. As a U.S. Representative, she was a staunch advocate for women's issues, education reform, and the rights of federal employees, becoming an influential voice in the House. Tragically, in January 1980, she suffered a brain aneurysm that left her in a coma; her seat was declared vacant on February 24, 1981. She remained in a coma until her death on June 19, 1988, at age 70. Her legacy endured through her successor, Steny Hoyer, and her contributions to education and women's advocacy continue to be remembered in Maryland politics.