Joseph A. Gaston

CHARLOTTE - Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Gaston, 83, of Charlotte, NC, passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2011, in Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte.

Born and raised in Winnsboro, SC, Joe Gaston dedicated much of his life to education, earning the following degrees: B.A. from Johnson C. Smith University, M.Div. from Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, M.A. from the University of Denver, and Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1952, his nearly six decades of ministry include service to congregations, church-related higher education, Presbytery executive service, and theological education administration.

Dr. Gaston served in several roles on the faculty and staff of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte for nearly 30 years. Having worked with the Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary in Charlotte early in his career, he served as its Administrative Dean (following its 1969 move to Atlanta as a part of the Interdenominational Theological Center) from 1988 to 1993, when he was Honorably Retired by the Presbytery of Charlotte.

In retirement, he continued to preach, serve on Presbytery committees, participate in Presbyterian organizations and pursue several personal projects, including African-American Presbyterian Heritage research and family genealogy. The luxury of time also afforded enriched reward of his 37-year marriage to the former Theresa (Terri) Dutch of Mobile, AL. Their love, care and camaraderie were enriched by quality time together, travel, increased connection with family and social interaction with several circles of friends.

Dr. Gaston was preceded in death by his parents John Gaston and Lilla B. Russell Gaston, and by his brother John Russell Gaston Sr.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Terri Dutch Gaston of Charlotte; brother-in-law, William Dutch of Pineville, NC; sister-in law, Josie Glenn Gaston of Winnsboro; nephews, John Russell Gaston Jr. (Jannita) of Winnsboro, Alexander W. Gaston of Winnsboro, and Alvin Q. Gaston of High Point, NC; great-nephews, Javon Russell Gaston and Sean Alexander Gaston of Columbia, SC; devoted cousin, Barbara McDonald of Winnsboro; godson, Stanley Law (Anita) of Cincinnati, OH; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Dr. Gaston's life will be held Monday, September 12, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Presbyterian Church, 2600 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216, with a public viewing in the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Shiloh First Presbyterian Church, 1770 SC Highway 213, Winnsboro, SC, 29180.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to: Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, Interdenominational Theological Center, 700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA 30314.

Long & Son Mortuary Service in Charlotte is serving Dr. Gaston's family.