On October 1st, 2022, God called Evangelist Ethel Mae Brantley Gatewood home. Ethel was born on January 31st, 1935 in Wrightsville, Georgia; to the late Charlie Brantley and Rosa Lee Moorman Brantley. She was the third daughter and seventh child out of thirteen children.
Ethel graduated as salutatorian from Dock Kemp High School in 1955. She then moved to Morristown, New Jersey where she began working at Greystone Park State Hospital. While working at Greystone, Ethel met John Wilson Gatewood Sr., the two married in June of 1956. From this union, came six children: 4 boys and 2 girls.
While employed at Greystone Park State Hospital, Ethel furthered her education through the Morris Hills Regency Nursing School. She received her LPN credentials in 1959. Ethel was also employed part time at Dependable Health-Care as a private duty nurse in Florham Park, New Jersey. In 2001, Ethel retired from practicing nursing and moved to Morven, North Carolina with her husband, John.
Raised in a Christian household, Ethel received Christ at the early age of seven. She continued to grow spiritually working as her church’s Sunday School Program Chairman and serving as Junior Missionary President. In June of 1955, Ethel joined Mount Olive Church Of God In Christ of Vaux Hall, New Jersey. After her husband became pastor five years later, Ethel served as First Lady and District President of Minister’s Wives. In 1975, Ethel followed her husband to the Church Of God In Christ of Morristown, NJ, and she was appointed to several committees. This included: President of the Improvement Committee, National Chairman of Finance of the Minister’s Wives Circle, National Worker of Hospitality, National Choir Member, and National member of the We Twelve Auxiliary. Evangelist Gatewood also served as President of the Missionary Circle at the local and national levels. She also served as Northern District Pastor’s and Minister’s Wives Circle President for 35 years. After moving to North Carolina, Ethel and John joined Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C in Wadesboro, North Carolina. She served as the church mother from 2001 until God called her to glory.
Ethel is proceeded in death by her husband, John W. Gatewood Sr., her daughter, Carolyn J. Gatewood Solomon, and her daughter-in-law, Kimberly Gatewood.
She leaves to cherish her loving memories, her two brothers: Jake Brantley (Trudy) and Eddie Brantley (Lillian), her sister, Annie Brantley, and her five children: John Gatewood Jr. (Rhonda), Darryl Gatewood (Roxann), Daniel Gatewood (Sandra), Rosa Gatewood Ashley, James Gatewood, and one son-in-law, Alvin Solomon. As well as her 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren whom she loved and cared for dearly, with a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The Homegoing Services will be on Saturday, October 8, 2022, 1:00pm in the Chapel of Smith's Funeral Home, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will be in the family plot of The Gatewood Family Cemetery, Morven, North Carolina.
The family will greet family and friends on Friday, October 7, 2022 from 6:00-8:00pm and on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 12:00-1:00pm in the Chapel of Smith's Funeral Home, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.
Yavonne Brantley sent Sweet Moments for Mrs. Ethel Mae Brantley Gatewood - October 06, 2022
Welcome! The Angels sing where God's embrace is known. There's no more fear or earthly pain. Our loved one is safely home. Love you, Vonn, Shona, DJ, Niyani, Tati, Nyah, Prince,& Addy Brantley.
M. Vernon Rowe Jr. sent Sweet Tranquility Basket for Mrs. Ethel Mae Brantley Gatewood - October 06, 2022
Our most sincere condolences Much Love, Dutch and Betty Rowe
Life is the greatest yet most unexplainable gift. When you learn and then manage to live multiple lives of success within your lifespan as Aunt Ethel did, then you'll come to understand, she fully understood the assignment of living her life to it's fullest. May she rest in the peace she lived and served in on this side. May those who were blessed and assigned to her in this world no matter the capacity understand the lessons taught, wisdom heard, chastening received, and life given by every action, word, and deed she performed. In living memory of my Auntie. I love you, Regina Brantley
My condolence to John, Darryl, Rosie and the entire Gatewood familty from the Futrell Family from Morristown, NJ, may your mom rest in peace and the Gatewood family continue to keep her spirit alive in your heart. God bless each and everyone of you! My mom Annie is in your prayers always with love!
Sending love to you all❤️ Keith, Carol, and Kiana
In loving memory of Mother Gatewood. Such a beautiful women and example of who God is on earth. Thank you for all the memories at First Baptist Church in Madison under the leadership of the Gatewood ministerial team. You will be missed.
Tracy Baten-Wilson
My condolences to the family. Mrs. Gatewood was a caregiver to my son before she relocated to North Carolina. T. Ajadi
My condolences to the family. Mrs. Gatewood was a caregiver to my son before relocating to North Carolina. T. Ajadi
I am sorry for your loss, and I am praying for the family.
I am sorry for your loss and I am praying for all of you.
Condolences to the Gatewood Family from Voice Of Evangelism, COGIC, Morven NC
Condolences to the Gatewood family. Dianne Gatewood
Sending love and prayers 🙏 ❤ to the family from Pastor Iris Tillman and Athan Tillman
I'll miss Mother Gatewood, Our conversations on the phone,Trips To different churches aw the most humble Person I've ever met always talking about God I learned so much from her if I said something out of place in her sweet voice she would correct me.
Rest Mother you'll always be in my ❤️
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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