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Rev. Samuel Morris Gatson

FUNERAL HOME

Alphonso West Mortuary - Jacksonville

4409 Soutel Drive

Jacksonville, Florida

Samuel Gatson Obituary

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

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Published by Florida Times-Union from Sep. 16 to Sep. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Gatson

22 Entries

Dr. Michael D Warren

October 1, 2008

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.

Toni Francis-Miller

September 20, 2008

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 is gone but never forgotten

Erma Boyd-Hines

September 19, 2008

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.

Rev. & Mrs. H.T. Rhim

September 19, 2008

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.

The Collier Family

September 18, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Bro. and Sis Johnnie & Ann King, Jr

September 18, 2008

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.

Rev. Lynwood f. Mundy

September 18, 2008

May the Lord be with you in your time of sorrows.

Tracy Reynolds

September 18, 2008

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.

Ms.Laura M. Harris & Family

September 18, 2008

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 You All"

Doug & Emma Jones

September 17, 2008

We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Gatson and Mack family. Ken we would like to say to you and all of your family to continue to put all trust in Christ.
ALL HOPE LIES IN CHRIST JESUS!

Evelyn Greene Hayes

September 17, 2008

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Pat Brown & Family

September 17, 2008

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be at your back on this part of your journey to enjoy the glory of Our Lord.

Winona,
May you and your family find comfort in knowing that Rev is on the best part of his journey.

Angela Lee

September 17, 2008

Mrs. Winona Gatson, Jackie, Kenney, and the entire Gatson family:
I am sorry for your loss. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We don't always understand God's plan for our lives, but know that he loves you. Jeremiah 31:13 “…I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.” God bless.

Deborah Breza

September 17, 2008

My Dearest Friend Winona and family,
We are so sorry for your loss but we know Sam is in a far better place with Our Lord. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family, Deb, Lisa, Leslie and Dot.

GLENDA WHITE

September 17, 2008

TO MICHELLE AND FAMILY,
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT YOUR TIME OF NEED.MAY GOD KEEP YOU AND BLESS YOU.

FROM GLENDA,RODNESHA AND FAMILY

EDWARD AND CAROLYN JOHNSON

September 17, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

AL CHESTER & FAMILY

September 17, 2008

WITH OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY WE SEND....

Barbara Badger- Bing

September 16, 2008

Sorry to hear of your loss
May God bless you and your family.
Warmest thoughts are with you in your sorrow.

Allen Cusack

September 16, 2008

What a joy to know Rev. Gatson. I truly enjoyed our many talks at Emanuel and will forever cherish his beautiful memory. I pray that your memories comfort you at this time.

TIM COWAN

September 16, 2008

Dear Family,
If Sam Gatson was a delivery man for Genuine Parts in 1966-67, I worked in a store with him. I was just 20-21 at the time that all of us were adjusting to the Civil Rights Movement. No problem with Sam as a co-worker, he was a good humble fellow. Forty years have passed since and I believe Sam must have made many friends in his life. God bless you and Sam....TIM COWAN

Ms.Laura Jenkins & Family

September 16, 2008

God Is To WIse To Make A Mistake,
My Thoughts And Prayers Are With
You And Your Family. In Your Time
Of Sorrow. May God Continue To
Bless You And Your Family...

Rosa Jenkins

September 16, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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