PALM COAST, FL. – Thelma Eloise Lang Gatling, age 85, a devoted wife and mother, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, March 11, 2015, after a brief illness.
Mrs. Gatling was born on September 27, 1929 to the late Hunter and Octavia Lang in Ahoskie, NC. She married the late Oris McCoy Gatling of Gates County, where they made their home, in May of 1956, and where married for 48 years until his death in 2004. Thelma enjoyed flower gardening, watching her hummingbirds, cooking, and word puzzles, but most of all, she enjoyed socializing with her elder lady friends.
Besides her parents and husband, Mrs. Gatling was preceded in death by her brother, Rudolph Lang, and grandson, Zachary Pierce.
Thelma leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Arnold Pierce and wife Jayne of Palm Coast, FL, Craig Gatling of Murfreesboro, NC, and Kenny Gatling of Angier, NC; two daughters, Dianne Pierce Jiles and husband, Douglas of Durham, NC, and Shawnee Gatling and husband, Lawrence of Willow Springs, NC; a Sister, Brenda Vann and husband, McDonald of Ahoskie, NC; and a brother, Darnell Lang and wife Hazel of Grifton, NC. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Courtney Keeton, Michael Jiles, Cory Gatling and Anthony Darkes, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and many friends.
A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, March 16, 2015, at 12:00 noon at the Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC, with Rev. William L. Lang, officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:15 a.m. until noon, prior to the service. Burial will follow in Holly Lawn Cemetery in Suffolk, VA, at 2:00 pm.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the care provided by the staff of The Visiting Angels in Palm Coast, Florida. Also, the family wishes to thank Robin Archer and Adalia Arcena for their support, care, and kindness shown to their mom.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Gatling family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.