Naomi Decole Gulledge

And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7

It was once stated in a song that a picture paints a thousand words; and it will always be that beautiful smile and pretty face of our Naomi Decole Gulledge.

A beloved daughter, a beautiful and courageous baby sister, an amazing aunt, a caring granddaughter, a sweet niece, the loving cousin, and truly a loyal friend.

The beautiful life of Naomi Decole Gulledge was born into time on Wednesday, May 19, 1999, in Benton Harbor, Michigan.  The baby girl of five children born to the union of Nathaniel and Latonia Gulledge.

At an early age, Naomi was taught about the love of Jesus Christ.  Naomi accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at Greater Community Church of God In Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop Nathaniel Wells Jr. Under the pastoral guidance of the late Pastor Nathaniel Wells III, Naomi was active in the Fine Arts Department, CRUNK for Christ Youth Ministry, and the youth choir.  She later continued her Christian journey at New Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Maurice McAfee who was by her side at her demise. 

Much like her parents, Naomi was a gifted singer and had the voice of an angel.   Those who were privileged to hear her create beautiful melodies were often astounded by her gift.  This beautiful gift allotted her to sing at weddings or other special events. Naomi had a fond passion for theatrical acting.  As a young girl with her sister-Natalie and her cousin-Christa, Naomi often spent her weekends playing the role-Deena of “The Dream Girls”. Naomi’s dream role as Deena came to life as she starred in the 2021 “The Dream Girls Stage Play” with Beyond Limits Entertainment.

Naomi had an infectious smile that when coupled with her spontaneous since of humor would brighten any room with so much joy.  Family time with Naomi was full of fun, crazy laughter, and random sounds of beautiful singing. 

Naomi was formally educated in the Berrien Springs Public Schools. In 2017, she graduated from Berrien Springs High School. While in school she was a member of the Berrien Springs High School Choral Music Department, and The Competitive Cheer Team. Naomi was a proud Finalist of the 2017 Miss Benton Harbor Court of Honor.   After graduating Naomi attended Ross Medical Education Center and received her certification as a medical assistant in 2024.

On Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Corewell Health Hospital in St. Joseph, MI., our beautiful angel at the age of 26 years old-Naomi Decole Gulledge transitioned to her heavenly home surrounded by the prayers and love of her loving family and friends. 

Naomi leaves to cherish her memories her parents, Nathaniel and Latonia Gulledge of Benton Harbor, MI,  grand-parents, Willie (Ruby) Williams of Benton Harbor, MI, siblings; Anthony (Da-Shina) Broyles of Benton Harbor, MI, Nathan (Hannah) Caldwell of Seattle, WA, Nicholas Caldwell of Niles, MI, and Natalie Gulledge of Benton Harbor, MI, uncles; Curtis (Shirica) Gulledge of Orlando, FL, Jeremy Gulledge of New Orleans, LA, and Dwon (Carlesha) Williams of Benton Harbor MI, aunts; Decole (Yuma) Allen of Merrillville, IN, and Jessica (Brandon) Gulledge of Milwaukee, WI, godmother, Ebony Washington of Benton Harbor, MI, 2 nieces, and host of cousins, extended family and friends. 

Naomi was preceded in death by her grandparents, Arisker Gulledge Sr., Mary Helen James, her great grandparents Eli and Ruby (Granny) Burton, Arisker Sr. and Ella V Gulledge, Webb and Rebecca Griffith, Marion Perry, and Sammie Perry.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Naomi Decole Gulledge, please visit our floral store.