Jacksonville, Florida
GATSON Rev. Samuel Morris Gatson, age 77, of 4943 Foxboro Rd., passed away peacefully September 14, 2008. He was a native of Newark, NJ, having resided in Jacksonville most of his life. Rev. Gatson was a member at Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Rev. Herb Anderson. For 32 years, he was Owner/Operator of Mary Ann's Golden Fried Chicken located at 1807 W. 45th St., where he started as a Security Guard and for 6 years at 450 Stockton St. Rev. Gatson leaves to cherish his wonderful memory a devoted wife of 17 years, Mrs. Winona H. Gatson; children, Ms. Yvette Scott and Ms. Benita M. Gatson; step-children, Ms. Jacquelyne Mack (Steven) and Dr. Kenneth Mack (Carmen); 9 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; sister, Mrs. Gloria Butler; a number of other relatives and friends. FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11 AM, Friday, September 19, 2008 at Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church, with Rev. Herb Anderson, Pastor, officiating and Rev. Ernie Murray, Pastor of St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church, Presiding. On THURSDAY, Rev. Gatson will rest at Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church from 5 PM until 6:30 PM, where a Victory Service will begin at 6:30 PM and Friday from 9AM until the hour of service. Entombment will be in the Garden Cloister Mausoleum of Evergreen Cemetery. Friends are asked to assemble at the church under the direction of ALPHONSO WEST MORTUARY, INC., 4409 Soutel Dr. (904) 766-9671. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com
Word has recently reached me of the homegoing of my friend and brother in ministry the Reverend S.M. Gatson. I'd like to offer to his beloved widow and the entire Gatson family my deepest condolences. May you take comfort in the Gospel he preached ; "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." He was indeed "stedfast, unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord" His labor was not in vain.
Dr. Michael D Warren
October 01, 2008 | Apopka, FL
Rev. Gatson baptized me when I was but 8 or 9 years old at the Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church of Palatka, FL. I was blessed to see him so many years later unfortunately at the funeral of a member and good friend, and he was still the gracious Pastor and gentleman that I had known. I truly have fond memories of eating at MaryAnn's Fried Chicken and of course hearing Rev. Gatson preach. I will cherish them, because Rev. Gatson was God sent. May God continue to bless his wife and family. He...
Toni Francis-Miller
September 20, 2008 | Orlando, FL
I have fond & warm memories of Rev. Gatson during his pastorship in Palatka at Mt. Tabor 1st Baptist Church. He was a Giant of Theology and a compasionate man who spoke the truth. I will always remember him for his powerful sermons. May God be with his family is our Prayer.
Erma Boyd-Hines
September 19, 2008 | Orlando, FL
To the family of Rev. Gatson
It saddened my heart to learn of the demise of my friend, Rev. Gatson. After years of friendship and as a fellow servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, I leave you with these words: 'earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal'. Remember Sam as the loved one who really cared for his family and friends. My prayers are with each of you.
Rev. & Mrs. H.T. Rhim
September 18, 2008 | Jacksonville, FL
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
The Collier Family
September 18, 2008 | FL
Mrs. Gatson,
My Husband and I were very sorry to hear about Rev. Gatson's passing. Rev. Gatson was a great man and teacher. He will be missed.
Bro. and Sis Johnnie & Ann King, Jr
September 18, 2008 | Jacksonville, FL
May the Lord be with you in your time of sorrows.
Rev. Lynwood f. Mundy
September 18, 2008 | Jacksonville, FL
Dearest Michelle
I am so sorry please continue to be
the strong woman I know you are and know that I still think about you
and your family keep showing off your dads smile.
Tracy Reynolds
September 18, 2008 | Jacksonville, FL
HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST
God saw you getting tired
and as a cure was not to be,
so HE put His Arms Around you,
and whispered "Come to Me."
With tearful eyes we watched
you,and saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly,
we could not make you stay,
A golden heart stopped beating,
hard working hands at rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to
us He only takes the best
" My God Continue to Bless...
Ms.Laura M. Harris & Family
September 18, 2008 | Jacksonville, FL
