Gloria Arnitha Gatling

Gloria Arnitha Gatling, (affectionately known by family as “Big Baby”), was born July 20th, 1946, to the late Charlie R. and Mary T. Welch in Norfolk, Virginia. She lived her life as a beautiful being who only knew to nurture, love, and instinctively support others. Her charming laugh and smile were contagious. Gloria’s overall disposition would light up any room, making you feel at ease, calm, and settled. Educated in the Norfolk and Portsmouth School System, Gloria was an excellent student. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1964. She was extremely sharp and perceptive in a kind manner. Though she held occupations of various lines in sales, travel and insurance agency, her passion was the ministry, teaching others God’s purpose for us all (1 Tim. 2:4) and that all lives matter to our Creator. In addition to English, Gloria also taught Bible truths in American Sign Language. She is predeceased by her older son, John N. Gatling. She is survived by her husband, John R. Gatling of 57 years. Her daughter, Phoebe Y. Woodcock (Michael), her son, Mark D. Gatling (Teri), seven grandchildren Jonathan Gatling, Simeon Gatling, Sarah Gatling, Sterling Gatling, Solomon Gatling, Michaela Dixon (Tyler), Alexandra Hux (Alex), five great grandchildren Jade Gatling, Ivey Gatling, Mila Dixon, Zayne Dixon, Reign Hux, her sisters, Marian “Lois” Thompson of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Mayda Pierce of Danville, Virginia, and her beloved brother Charles R. Welch (Mary) of Durham, NC. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and an aunt, Margaret Boone of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Gloria will be missed by all who knew her and look forward to seeing her again through the promise Jehovah God gives us at John 5: 28, 29, “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” Gloria’s life was always led with her favorite scripture Roman 8:35-39 in heart and mind. No tribulation, no distress, no sickness, not even death itself could ever separate her from the love of Christ and Jehovah’s love. She has come off completely victorious, waiting in Jehovah’s memory for her reward. The family would like to thank all for the outpouring of love, kindness and generosity shown during and after this time.  Gloria's Memorial Service will be held at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 3662 Humboldt Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23513 on Saturday, July 15th at 2pm. For those not attending the Memorial Service in person, the Zoom info is as follows: Meeting ID: 819 9980 6455 Passcode: Rom83539 Gloria Gatling's Memorial Repast will be held on Sunday, July 23rd at the Columbia County Exhibition Center in Grovetown, Georgia at 3:30pm.