Henry "Sonny" Gadsden

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,  I have kept the faith.  - II Timothy 4:7

Henry James Gadsden, son of the late Henry Thomas Gadsden and the late Marie Addison Gadsden, was born on October 7, 1943 in Berkeley County, South Carolina. He transitioned into eternal life with the Lord on February 13, 2022 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Henry, affectionately known as “Sonny”, received his education in the public schools of Berkeley County and was a graduate of Russellville High School. He was employed by the Berkeley County School District and worked many years at J.K. Gourdin Elementary School. After the death of his uncle, Sonny stepped in and helped his Aunt Mattie at Gethers Funeral Home. He served there diligently until his health began to decline.

 Sonny was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Lavenia White on January 24, 1969. This union was blessed with seven children. 

At an early age, Sonny accepted the Lord as his Savior and became a member of Calvary Reformed Episcopal Church. He loved his church and working for the Lord. He was a dedicated and faithful member and served in several capacities: Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Vestry Men, President of the Men of the Church, Class Leader and Co-founder of the Calvary Junior Choir. Sonny enjoyed great singing, and he was one of the BEST singers in the Lowcountry!

Sonny was a servant leader. He served his community as Fire Chief of the Pineville-Russellville Fire Department for 35 years. He loved mentoring young men in the community. He received numerous awards for his service. He also received recognition from United States Congressman James E. Clyburn, South Carolina Senator Yancy McGill and South Carolina Representative Joseph H. Jefferson, Jr.

Sonny never met a stranger and willingly helped anyone who came in contact with him. He inspired many young men to become a volunteer fireman, including his son, Jermaine; and grandsons, Kadeem, Christopher, Joel Anthony, Darrell Jr. and Shadon.

He will be remembered for his kind and compassionate spirit, his unwavering faith in God, and his love for his family and community.

Sonny was preceded in death by: his daughter, Alonia Maxine White; brother, Harold Gadsden; and sister, Geraldine Davis.

He leaves to cherish his fond memories: his devoted and loving wife of 53 years, Lavenia W. Gadsden; his children, Angela (Henry) Crawford, Onnetha (William) Lucas, Darrell Gadsden, Sr., Lincoln Maybank, Jermaine (Errica) Gadsden and Crystal (Antonio) Hall; a granddaughter he raised, Antonia Monae White; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; siblings, Winnie (Harry) Williams, Charles (Betty) Gadsden and Everett (Kathy) Gadsden; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Gadsden, Martha (Alfred) Broughton and Deloris (Alex) Simmons; brother-in-law, Joe (Janice) Bradley; aunts, Mattie A. Gethers and Elizabeth B. Addison; uncle, Beauford (Margaret) Addison; adopted daughter, Shannon Whitten; spiritual mentor, Glennie McClennon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; the Calvary Reformed Episcopal Church family and the Gethers Funeral Home family.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is not receiving friends at the home. They are grateful for your love, prayers and understanding during this difficult time.

Viewing will be held Wednesday, February 16, 2022, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gethers St. Stephen Chapel. Graveside Service will be held Thursday, February 17, 2022, 12:00 p.m., at Calvary Reformed Episcopal Church Cemetery, 606 Monitor Circle, St. Stephen, SC. There will be NO VIEWING at the service. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh 

Please wear a mask and practice social distancing at the viewing and the service.