Dorothy's Story

It's the little things that seem to stand out the most—her rolled up Kleenexes, her colorful hats that matched every outfit, her sweet tea and fried chicken tenders with fries, the aroma of her kitchen on West 26 ^th street, a swaying happy foot, polished nails, or a simple "Hello" from her room at Gloria's Manor letting you know it was all right to come in…she is none other than Mrs. Dorothy Gauldin.  A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and Mother of the Church at Gateway to Heaven… with several aliases…Mom, Maw, Gammy, Grandma, Aunt Dot, Ms. Sugar, and Mrs. Dorothy. A wonderful woman of God who was loved by many. Her children rise up and called her blessed!

Mrs. Gauldin, born on October 4, 1932 to Mr. Wright and Isabell Smith, and dearly loved her family and friends. She was a loving and dedicated wife to the late Mr. Perry Gauldin for 38 years.  There was nothing she wouldn't do to see a smile on the face of her loved ones. It didn't take much to make her happy—a phone call, a card, a visit a ride around town, attending church, summer vacations, sharing back in the day stories with her children and grands, and cooking those finger licking meals. We were the most important people in the world to her. She lived to make our lives better and was proud of us.

If a grade report was issued to Mrs. Gauldin, her report would read as follows: Cooking- A+ (the aroma of fried chicken and collard greens would fill the air as soon as you make a turn on West 26 ^th Street), Sense of Humor- A+ (spend one day with Mrs. Gauldin and you would agree), Spoiling Grandkids- A+ (Patrice, Greg Jr, Francheska, Jamal, Robyn, Leah, Chris, Lil Frederick, Kamden, and her great grands can confirm), Matching Ensemble- A+ (that's Patrice's Gammy ), Setting You Straight with Pizazz - A+ ( Leah, Mrs. Margaret, Ms. Mary,  Shawniselyn, Ms. Janice, Ms. Rosa, Mrs. DeJuana,, and Mrs. Belinda  can confirm this), Sharing Words of Wisdom- A+ (family can agree), Being a Phenomenal Mother and Wife- A+ (Gloria, Greg, Kevin, Lisa, David, and in heaven Mr. Perry Gauldin …stand in agreement), Being a Wonderful Friend- A+ (ask friends who are sharing in this celebration of life service today), and Mrs. Gauldin's Relationship with Christ -A+ (observed in her daily living words and actions). What an excellent report!

On this earth, Mrs. Gauldin defeated many health battles… she fought a good fight and won with God's grace, love, strength and mercy.  A trailblazer…yes…a champion…absolutely. .. Mrs. Gauldin  kept the faith and remained steadfast and unmovable.  No matter what illness came, Mrs. Gauldin bounced back…this time, on July 22, 2022 she bounced into the arms of our Heavenly Father!

Over the past 10 months, Mrs. Gauldin had the privilege of receiving the best care at Gloria's Manor, with her daughter Gloria McConnell leading every step of the way. Nursing Homes were not the answer, instead God sent eight angels with hidden wings to answer the call…"The Great Eight " ( Leah Davis, Ms. Margaret McLean, Ms. Mary Washington, Ms. Janice Truitt, Ms. Shawniselyn Miller, Ms. Rosa Harris, Mrs. De Juana Coleman and  Mrs. Belinda Woods), the family loves you and is grateful for your time and kind deeds.

Mrs. Gauldin was preceded in death by her loving husband, Perry Gauldin, parents Wright and Isabell Smith, brothers, Wright Smith, Jr,., Willard Smith, William Barney Smith, and sister, Thelma Smith. She leaves to forever cherish her memory five children, Gloria McConnell (Pastor Michael), Gregory Wallace (Sharlette), Robert Kevin Wallace ( Doris Hayes, Fiance), Lisa Davis (Frederick,), and David Gauldin.. Sixteen Great grandchildren, Patrice McConnell, Gregory Wallace, Jr. (Myeisha), Robyn Wallace, Jamal Wallace (Brittany) Francheska Wallace, Christopher Wallace, Frederick Davis, II., Kamden Gauldin, Deana Telfair (Dedrick),

Chantel Allen, Destiny Hayes, and Fred & Norma Waters. 13 great grands, 2 godchildren, Sayyed Green and Barbara Scott.

So Mrs. Dorothy Gauldin, wear your crown proudly, strut in your robe and tell your story.  God has honored your request and answered your call.  Open your eyes, walk around heaven, and rejoice with our Heavenly Father!