Mrs. Bertha Ellis Gaskin was born August 20, 1917 in Blitchton, Florida to the late Mr. Reuben and Mrs. Josephine Ellis. She was the tenth of eleven children. At the age of nine, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and joined Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Mells as pastor. She attended Sunday school, church, and BYPU religiously. Further, she, and her husband, Deacon Eddie Gaskin, Sr. reared their two children, Eddie Jr. and Barbara, in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Most worshippers expected to see Mrs. Gaskin every Sunday seated in the Deaconess corner whenever they came to Mt. Moriah. She served faithfully as a deaconess, choir member, Sunday school teacher and church member until her health began to fail nearly five years ago. According to Grandma Bea, she has served in Mt. Moriah for more than eighty years. To God be the Glory. She was, also, very efficient and passionate about the “Food and Clothes Bank Ministry” that she chaired at Mt. Moriah. She and the other members of the ministry served many, many strangers and local individuals who were seeking assistance. Additionally, for many years, she had the passion and patience every morning to call members of the congregation and community, who lived alone, to wish them a “God Blessed Day.”
Mrs. Gaskin received her education in the Marion County School System, beginning at Blaze Pond Grade School in Blitchton, Florida. After raising her children, she still had the determination to attain a college education. Thus, when Hampton Community College in Ocala opened, she became one of the pioneer students and received her Associate Degree. She then attended Bethune-Cookman College (University) in Daytona Beach, Florida, where her daughter was a senior earning her B.S. in 1961 and Mrs. Gaskin received her B.S. degree in 1962. She was a dental assistant for 5 years, a house mother at Forest Hill School for girls while attending junior college and after graduating from Bethune-Cookman College became a teacher at the same school for girls.
She retired to become a caregiver for her loving husband of more than 40 years, Deacon Eddie W. Gaskin Sr., who passed away in 1981. She was also preceded in death by her parents; all her siblings, daughter Barbara Gaskin Washington; great niece Charmane Hughes, two daughters-in-law: Marjorie Gaskin and Debra Gaskin.
On February 1, 2020, Mrs. Bertha Ellis Gaskin's soul escaped her earthly frame to be received by the heavenly Father. No more suffering. No more pain. “No more wishing to be delivered from this world."
Loved ones who mourn Grandma Bea's passing include the following: son: Eddie W. Gaskin, Jr.; son-in-law: Frank Washington; grandson: Remardo D. Washington (Linda); granddaughters: Shiyann Adams (Michael), Erika and Danielle Gaskin; great-grandchildren: Jabaron, Markel, Cherail, and Kalahn Washington; Chelsea Mitchell; Dominique, Andre and Shamari Adams; great-great grands: JaNyla, Celeste and Janelle Smith; Kaicen Adams; niece: Rubye Hughes; nephew: Horace Hargrove (Pat); grandniece: Toni Johnson; grandnephews: Tracy, Asonta’, Keith and DeAnthony Hargrove; God-children: James and Deloris Griffin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends.
The family greatly appreciates Shiyann Adams’ untiring devotion and support for her grandmother in her time of need; and thanks to Mrs. Emma Wint for her physical and moral support. Additionally, we truly thank the entire staff of the Hawthorne Nursing facility for the very fine care given to our love one.
Public viewing on Friday February 7, 2020 from 1:00pm until 5:00pm at Summers Funeral Home, 2238 NW 10th St, Ocala, Fl.
A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Gaskin will be Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 11:00am at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 55 SW 3rd Ave, Ocala, Fl.
Final Interment will follow in Faith Memorial Garden, Ocala, Florida
Condolences can be signed at www.Summersfh.com
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