Mary Gadson

Mrs. Mary Lee Washington Gadson affectionately know as Dada, the daughter of the late Johnny Washington and Annie Bell Washington was born in Orangeburg County on January 15, 1924. She departed this life on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at her residence.

She attended the public schools in Orangeburg County. At an early age, Mary Lee Gadson was baptized and became a member of St. James Baptist Church. She was a member of the Gospel Choir from 1975 – 2014. Her favorite song was “Come By Here Lord.”

In 1952, she married the late James Gadson and from this union they were blessed with ten children; three of which preceded her in death: Peter Gadson, James Gadson, and Minnie Lee Oliver. She is also preceded in death by one sister, Rosa Lee Davis.

Mary Lee enjoyed baking her homemade sweet potato pies and biscuits. If she wasn’t cooking or baking, you would find her outside tending to her garden. The best part of it all, she loved to call her friends up and tell them she had a package for them.

For many years Mary Lee was a caretaker up until 2014.

She leaves to cherish her sweet precious memories to: seven children, Annie Lee (Joe) Gadson of Cross, SC, Annie Bell (Earnest) Bryant of Eutawville, SC, Paul, Rosa Lee, and Freddie Gadson all of the home; John (Beatrice) Gadson of Cross, SC, and Jerry Gadson of Miami, FL: one sister, Julie Mae Gibbs of Miami, FL; one sister-in-law, Ella Gadson of Eutawville, SC; two adopted daughters, Floria Dingle and Rosa Bell Walker; twenty six grandchildren, seventy great grandchildren, and sixty four great great grandchildren; three very special friends, Ms. Geraldine Smith, Ms. Susie Wright, and Ms. Ruth Montgomery; her grandson and personal chauffer, Leroy Washington; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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