Gene Gathing

Gene Gathing, 82 departed his earthly life on Thursday, June 06, 2024, at home in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Gene was born on August 17, 1941, to the union of Isaiah Gathing and Louisiana Blanchard in Prairie, MS, a small town neighboring Aberdeen, MS.

Gene was a God fearing devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was a man’s man, a charismatic man, an open-hearted man who sought God at an early age. He with his wife Essie, in their early twenties was baptized upon their arrival to Benton Harbor as members of the Seventh Day Adventist church. He later was a faithful member of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church where he stood with his late brother Guss “June” Gathing in the all male choir. Before his passing his spiritual journey went full circle as he became a member of the Christian denomination where he was first baptized, and now is resting as an eternal member of Highland Seventh Day Adventist church. He was employed at Malleable Industries, Inc. until he was severely injured and burned on the job. He loved working with his hands and intellect, which lead him to becoming an entrepreneur and general contractor. He renovated many homes throughout Berrien County, Michigan and had a hand in constructing churches, schools, and medical facilities.

Gene was a principled man who loved his family, and did not need a reason to do for them. In all of his years there was not a time that he was not available. Before good credit could finance a top of the line automobile, Gene was driving a brand new Lincoln Town Car in the 1970’s, fully loaded with 8-track tapes, CB, and thick whitewall tires. And without a doubt, he was dressed to the tee. He raised his children and grandchildren, and chauffeured them in his new cars back and forth to school and events. Even when he sent them to college, he was available on a drop of a dime to pick them up and bring them home.

He married the love of his life Essie Mae Gathing on March 23, 1964, and that union was blessed with five children. They were married for 53 years until her death October 01, 2017. He later met and cherished the beloved time he spent with Wyomia Norris until his passing.

He leaves to cherish his memories: two daughters, Ambree Gathing and Doris Gathing of Benton Harbor, Michigan; three sons, Gene (Jacqueline) Gathing Jr., Keith (Kristiye) Gathing of Detroit, Michigan and Kenneth (Zelma) Gathing of South Bend, Indiana; grandsons, Anthony McCoy of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Alvin Noah Thomas Gathing of Detroit, Michigan; granddaughters, Brittney Gathing of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Temesha Gathing of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Kenniya Gathing of Austin, Texas; great-grandchildren, Kynnadi, Mason, Spencer, Jevaryon Jr, Kamryn, and Zuri; his brothers Ernest L Gathing, Robert Morrow, Houston (Sarah) Morrow, Clifton Morrow, Clarence (Ronita) Morrow, Henry J Morrow; Henry J Morrow and a treasured friend, Wyomia Norris; and two special nephews who were like sons Pastor Steven (Amie) Morrow and Rodney Morrow; and a host of lovely nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Essie Mae Gathing; his parents Isaiah Gathing and Louisiana Blanchard; and his siblings Guss Gathing, Willie L Gathings, Amber Morrow, and Johnnie Morrow.  

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