Erotida Ponce "Lillian" Gaskill
Erotida Ponce "Lillian" Gaskill
Obituary
Guest Book
About
Erotida Gaskill Obituary
Erotida Ponce Gaskill
On Thursday, June 11, 2009, Erotida moved to her Celestial Home.
She is survived by her husband, Maj. Gen. Robert C. Gaskill, Sr.; son, Robert, Jr.; daughters: Vivienne R. Narcisse, Juli A. Henderson, and Cheryl L. Foster; sister-in-law, Ella J. Green; 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of other loving family members and friends.
Beyond her family, her interests and talents led her to explore the world. She explored through music and drama, as singer, choir director and amateur actress. She explored--and served--as a history researcher for her family and the Prince William County Historical Commission. With Charlene Gregg, she co-authored Fort Lee in Transition: 1940s - 1970s, Black Quartermaster Families at Fort Lee, Virginia. As a military homemaker, she traveled widely in the USA, Europe and Japan. In 1991, she served as a short-term Christian missionary to South Africa. Her prayer life was enriched by her compassion-ate ministry to persons, especially severely sick children, in hospitals.
Mrs. Gaskill was a graduate of The American University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Visitation with family at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 5640 Hoadly Road, Manassas, VA 20112, June 16th, 10:45 a.m.; funeral service, 12 noon. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery, July 7th, 3 p.m. (Assemble at ANC Administration Building at 2:30 p.m.)
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Children's Fund, 2821 Emerywood Parkway, P.O. Box 26484, Richmond, VA 23261, or St. Jude Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis. TN 38101.
This obituary was originally published in the News & Messenger (Woodbridge, VA).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sherri (Hayhurst) Trudeau
October 30, 2022
Remembering.... as I listened this morning to a beautiful voice raised in praise in my church here in Colorado, my mind recalled another beautiful praise-filled voice from my past. I knew her then as Erotida and later as Lillian. Our families were neighbors in Woodbridge and we worshipped together with my mom, June Hayhurst, joining with Erotida for years of music. Erotida, I had not heard about your family in years and decided to research your name only to find you joined my mom in that heavenly choir ... just 18 months after she went ahead to help prepare your place there. I am thankful to recall these memories and remember you and your family.
Virginia Reed
June 27, 2009
Dear Bob and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Lillian's passing. She was an amazing women. You and your family are in our prayers. May God give you all the courage, strength, comfort and peace you need to get though these very difficult days.
Jillian Baker
June 18, 2009
Bob and Gaskill Family -
I was so sorry to hear of Lillian´s passing. She was, in my mind, the definition of a classy woman - strong but soft. I hope she wouldn´t mind that I have adopted a version of her name (Liliana) while I´m here in El Salvador. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Dawson
June 17, 2009
Gaskill Family:
I am so truly sorry to hear of the passing of such a beautiful woman. I remember when your family were members of the Presbyterian church in Woodbridge and Mrs. Gaskill sang at my oldest sister's wedding in 1970, and oh my, such a voice from heaven. She was a person doing God's work on earth. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you in you time of sorrow, and may you find the strength you need to get through this very difficult time.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Donna Ralston-Hoppe
June 16, 2009
Dearest Bob and the Gaskill Family,
It was my privilege to have known Lillian and share our thoughts and prayers during our 'Circle' Bible studies. She always challenged our simple inputs and strengthened our beliefs.
You already know she was truly a wonderful woman, wife and mother but her ability to always make you feel better by her presents was a gift from God.
Warren and I send you and yours our condolences and prayers that your memories stay vivid in your hearts forever, Blessings today and always.
Vivian S. Bullock
June 16, 2009
General Gaskill and Family -
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Erotida was a very special person to me. Whenever I saw her at Lomax Church, she spoke of the very interesting goings-on in her life and church. It was then I invited her to speak at my church. But, alas, that didn't happen. Her personality was one of peace and love--that smile one could not forget. I will always remember. God bless you and your family at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Carlton B. Reid, Jr.
June 16, 2009
General Gaskill and Family,
Grace and I send our love to you as you mourn the loss of your wife and mother. Grace and her parents, CH and Mrs. Nathaniel Robinson, loved Mrs. Gaskill and cherished her love and encouragement through the years. As the newest member of the family, I was blessed to meet you and Mrs. Gaskill during our first tour on the Army Staff. Fortunately, the Lord saw fit to allow us to return and spend more time together.
We will miss her. We'll miss her gracious spirit, smiling eyes, and beautiful voice--especially during the upcoming concert in honor of Lincoln's Bicentennial. Nevertheless, we are comforted knowing she is now present with the Lord, and that we will enjoy her company again when the Lord calls us home.
For now, we will keep you in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. May God comfort you with the presence of the Holy Spirit and warm you with the memories of your life together.
In Christ,
Carl and Grace Reid
Janet Grundeman
June 15, 2009
Gaskill Family
We send our love, thoughts and prayers at this time. Erotida was the founder of the Woodbridge Community Choir. She was wonderful. To the end this choir would never have served God, the community and its singers without her guidance and smile. Many of us had the opportunity to work with her and were blessed with her music.
We are saddened by her loss and pray God will give you peace in the coming days. Residing in Florida now keeps us from attending the service tomorrow. We will be there in thought and prayers.
In love and sympathy,
Fred and Jan Grundeman
Mildred A. Parker
June 15, 2009
I send my condolence to a wonderful family, and pray that God will give you peace. The times that I sat and talked to Lillian when she was in San Antonio, TX. were very rewarding, as she gave of herself telling of feats on her journey that were encouraging. The book that she co-authored is very enlightening, and one can get a glimpse of the wonderful fulfilled life that Lillian lived, and gave to her family and friends. I will never forget her, as she added to my life in her own way. My love and prayers are with you all. Mildred A. Parker
Dick Gillespie
June 15, 2009
I've always looked to Lillian and Bob Gaskill as the ideal Christian, military couple. Lillian was such a lively, engaging & committed person to her family,church, and her causes. We will really miss her.
Hortense Hinton, Provost
June 15, 2009
Gen. Gaskill & Family,
On behalf of the Manassas Campus of Northern Virginia Community College, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to you at this time. We are grateful to have had benefit of meeting, hearing from and associating with such a gracious lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doris Munoz
June 15, 2009
Dear Robert,
My love and deepest sympathy to you and your family. The news of Erotida's (Lillian) death has been a profound shock. Sadly our living creates time gaps in our contacts with many we think of but but fail to connect with. I had thought a lot about you and Erotida (Lillian) during the winter, but didn't connect.
You and Erotida (Lillian) have enjoyed many blessings. I pray God will continue to bless, you, Robert now through this devasting period and comfort you through your healing. How warmly I remember our growing up in Arlington and Lomax A.M.E.Z. Erotida(Lillian), Joyce and I were like sisters. That alliance of our youth and our "doings" certainly had a positive influence on the loving, sharing, and caring women we became.
May God continue to keep you and yours in His care. And we shall long remember the blessings of Erotida (Lillian) sharing her God-given gifts
with us. I will be in touch soon. As ever, Doris
Jeffrey Duarte
June 15, 2009
To the Gaskill Family,
Lillian will be missed. Her thirst for knowledge and knowing our family roots has been quite inspirational to me and others. We have all been blessed to have someone to remind us to remember those who have come before us. She will be remembered and held in the same esteem as she has held others. She will be missed. May God watch over you in this time of bereavement.
Jeffrey Duarte (Grandson of Goldie Porter Williams and Great Grandson of Rhetta Virginia Henderson Porter)
Robin Bowyer
June 15, 2009
Robert and Family,
The Lord surely received an Angel. Lillian was the kindest and most loving and caring Lady I have ever known. It was such a pleasure to work with her at DEP. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. God bless you and your family, and my deepest condolences. Love, Robin R Bowyer
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Erotida Gaskill's name
People and places connected with Erotida
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Erotida's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Erotida Gaskill's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored