Iantha Gattis

Iantha Marie Gattis, 96, peacefully departed this earthly life on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Tidalhealth Nanticoke, Seaford, Delaware. Born on August 23, 1928, Iantha was one of five children from the union of the late William and Lucy Roberts.

She attended Owens Corner School in Columbia, Delaware. Iantha had several jobs, which included Marva Packaging Company in Hebron, Maryland, and various luxury hotels in Montauk, New York. She worked at the Swift plant in Salisbury, Maryland, which Perdue Farms later acquired, and Iantha continued working at Perdue Farms for many years. Subsequently, she furthered her education at Delaware Technical Community College, where she majored in Welding while working at the National Cash Register (NCR) as a welder until she retired.

Iantha was joined in holy matrimony to the late George H. Gattis Sr. on May 13, 1950, and the couple shared many happy years raising their children.

Iantha began her spiritual journey at Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church in Columbia, Delaware, where she was a committed choir member and avidly spearheaded the choir anniversaries. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, a Communion stewardess, and a doorkeeper for the Outreach Ministries. As time passed, Iantha became known as the mother of the church.

Iantha enjoyed family gatherings, fishing, dancing, cooking, and traveling with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George H. Gattis Sr; son, Raymond O. Roberts; grandson, Raymond (Bunky) Mckenny; six sisters, Insley, Mae, Dorothy, Pearl, Carlitta, Iris; and a loving cousin, who was like a sister, Viola Bates.

To cherish precious memories of Iantha are two daughters, Berneldia (Charles) White Sr. and Terrilene (James) Brown Sr.; two sons, George (Faith) Gattis Jr. and Odelyn (Keisha) Gattis; one daughter-in-law, Roselyn Roberts; twenty grandchildren, fifty-eight great-grandchildren, and forever cherished memories of great-great-grandchildren; four bonus children, Brenda Dennis, Debra Gattis-Taylor, Eron Truitt Sr. and Leon West, one sister, Thelma Evans, a lifelong friend, Lucille Bacon, two sisters-in-law, Jodie Waters and Addie Wilberkein, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Lovingly Submitted by the Family

Psalm 91:1-2 (KJV)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.