Linda Gaston

Late on Thanksgiving evening, November 26, 2020, Linda Faye Black Gaston was called home to be with her Lord and Savior. The moment she closed her eyes for the last time on this earth, she opened them in heaven in the presence of the One who loves her most, Jesus Christ. With great joy, Mrs. Gaston was welcomed into heaven by her beloved husband and partner in the Lord’s work, Charles L. Gaston, Jr., and her parents, Malley and Genary Black, along with her sisters Leontine, Wilda, Patsy, and generations of family and friends who knew Jesus. Mrs. Gaston is survived by her sister Peggy (Marvin) Watson of Kennesaw, GA, and sister-in-law Barbara (Virgil) Gray of Spanish Fort, AL who she loved like a sister. Mrs. Gaston is the beloved mother of her four adored daughters: Darlene (Steve) Britnell of Decatur, AL, Tami (Kent) Johnson of Birmingham, AL, Angela (Ron) Waite of Mobile, AL, and Lori (Mike) Haight of Madison, MS. The legacy she leaves belongs to Jesus. She and Charles taught their girls to love and serve Jesus Christ above all. They have now passed that legacy on to her eight wonderful grandchildren: April (Bill) Reed, Stacie (Justin) Nails, Brian (Ashley) Johnson, Scott (Emily) Johnson, Kevin (Janie) Johnson, Andrew Waite, Kaelyn Haight, Ryan Waite, and to her 14 great grandchildren: Riley, Mia, Molly, Aiden, Allie, Sawyer, Fisher, Emily Ann, Abby Grace, Betsy, Ellie, Jake, Sarah, and Marlowe, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Linda was born December 15, 1934, and grew up in Whistler, AL where she attended Bethany Baptist Church. She graduated in the first graduating class of Vigor High School, class of 1952. On August 14, 1954 she married her sweetheart Charles and they were fully devoted to one another for 40 years until his death. Together they had a lifetime of selfless service to others though the Lord’s Church, serving Four Points Baptist Church, Smithtown Baptist Church, Azalea Baptist Church, and Sixteenth Avenue Baptist Church, all in the state of Alabama. Following retirement, they became members of Cottage Hill Baptist Church, Mobile. Because of her life-long passion for ministry to her Lord and His church, Mrs. Gaston gave her life to working tirelessly alongside her husband to love and meet the needs of God’s people. In addittion to serving their Lord Jesus Christ, they created a home full of love and nurture for their daughters and the generations that followed. Linda was the best mother. She unconditionally loved every member of her family- and always supported them- no matter the need. From her eldest daughter to the youngest great-grandchild, she knew the heart of them all. Mrs. Gaston was a wonderful homemaker and cook, and made sure all her daughters would learn those skills as well. She wanted them well-prepared to be wives and mothers. She loved Jesus with all she had. She loved reading His Word, the Bible, for herself and to whoever would listen. Mrs. Gaston was best known as a devoted prayer warrior for her family and anyone she met that had a need. Only God knows all that has been accomplished because of her beautiful and constant prayers. Whenever her name is mentioned, "She always prayed for me," is the constant reply. She loved singing all the old hymns and the new worship music too- any song that would praise and honor her Lord. Linda was loved by everyone who came into her life, no matter how briefly. Her life was filled with love and kindness, always looking for ways to help others. She was a true servant of God. Linda will be remembered for what she loved most- helping anyone she met know what a wonderful God she served. You couldn’t be in her presence long, before knowing Who her heart loved- Jesus Christ. She would want you to know Him, too. (Read John 3:16 in the Bible.) If you would like to honor Linda’s life, a contribution that provides funds to ministers’ families in need would be a fiitting tribute to her faithful life as a pastor’s wife. Donations may be sent to Mission:Dignity, a 501(c)3 organization assisting Southern Baptist Retired Ministers and Spouses in need. (See https://www.missiondignity.org)

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Linda’s family is deeply thankful for the immense love and support of all the care-givers and staff of Elmcroft; Assisted Living, where she spent her closing years. They have truly become family to us and we are asking God to abundantly bless each of them in ways we cannot. Mrs. Gaston’s life celebration will be Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will precede the service from 12:30 to 2:00. The service will follow at 2:00, with her grandson, Kevin L. Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens alongside her beloved, Charles. Pallbearers will be her grandsons and her sons-in-law, whom she adored. Though she has said goodbye to this world, her life will never end. She has now moved to her eternal home with Jesus. Linda will be missed but we know we will see her again- whole and rejoicing at her Savior’s feet. Heaven is a wonderful place for all who believe and follow Jesus Christ. She’ll be looking for you! Condolences may be offered at www.mobilememorialfunerals.com.