Mary E. Gatling

The Life of Mary Elizabeth Ellis Gatling

Mary Elizabeth Ellis Gatling transitioned from this life on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in Williamsburg, Va.

Mary Elizabeth Ellis Gatling was born on May 20, 1943, in Little Surry, Virginia, to the late Pearl and MaeBelle Ellis.

She attended Bruton High School in Williamsburg, Virginia and went on to dedicate over thirty years of service to the Surry County Public School System.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She loved cooking and entertaining her family and friends at her home, and she never missed an episode of Family Feud. Her joyful spirit and hospitality brought warmth to everyone who knew her.

Mary was the best hairdresser and eyebrow archer on the Elberon Heights Corner. She was a faithful member of the True Apostolic Church in Dendron, Virginia. Mary served as a Sunday School teacher, an usher, choir member, missionary and part of the hospitality committee. Mary was a Powerful woman -Ready to pray with or for anyone at any given moment.

Mary loved the Lord and was never ashamed to proclaim his goodness. She was preceded in death by her parents Pearl and Maebelle Ellis; her brothers George R. Ellis, Horace White and Lawrence White; her sisters Linda Diane Clayton; Pearl O'Neal Cypress, Lorraine Cook, Mary Anna White and Elaine Wiggins.

Mary leaves to treasure her memory her husband of sixty-two years Roosevelt; three daughters Rita Spratley (Alvin, Jr), Deborah "Nisey" Washington (Chatrick), and Vernitia "Pinky" Cooke (Edwin); three beloved sisters Marie A. Ellis of Wakefield, Virginia, Evelyn Smith of Oxen Hill, Maryland and Shilve Jean Stringfield of Spring Grove, Virginia. Mary is also survived by six grandchildren Candid Washington, Alvin Spratley, III, Eric Washington, Sharnise Washington, Taylor Cooke, and Lauren Cooke; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law Roger Clayton Jr. and Charles Cypress (Angie). She also leaves one adopted granddaughter Jordan Gilchrist, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; a very special uncle Elder Lawrence Jones; two cherished aunts Emily Jones and Beatrice Butler (Edward) and a close friend Elder Ernestine Spratley (Alvin, Sr.).

Mary's legacy of faith, family, and love will continue to inspire all who knew her.

On Sunday, May 25, 2025 viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12pm on Monday, May 26, 2025 at Rose of Sharon Church, 438 Elm St., Waverly, VA. Interment will follow in Booker T. Cemetery, Wakefield. Please keep the Gatling family in your prayers.