Minister Barbara Ann Gerald-Gatling departed this life to join the Angelic Choir in her heavenly home on February 4, 2023. She was born in Wilson, North Carolina to the late Robert Edgar Gerald, Sr. and Rebecca Williams Gerald. Barbara was also predeceased by her two siblings, Carlotta Bernice Gerald Cromwell and Robert Edgar Gerald, Jr.

At an early age, the family moved to Portsmouth, VA, where she was a lifetime resident and graduated from Our Lady of Victory High School. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocal Music Education from Virginia State College (University) of Petersburg, VA., a Master of Arts Degree in Secondary Guidance and Counseling from Hampton Institute (University) of Hampton, VA., and a Master of Divinity from the Samuel D. Witt School of Theology at Virginia Union University of Richmond, VA. She did further studies at Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Wesleyan University, University of Virginia, James Madison University, and New York University. She spent 34 years in public education and worked in Dover, Delaware as well as the cities of Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake, Virginia. The lives of many students were touched by her leadership and guidance as a Choral and Vocal Music Specialist, Choral Directress, English Instructor, and Guidance Counselor. In 1995, she retired as a Guidance Counselor from Southwestern Elementary School in Chesapeake, VA. Her professional affiliations include membership in the National, State, and Virginia Beach Education Associations, Virginia Counselor's Association, National and State Personnel and Guidance Associations, and American School Counselor Association.

Minister Gatling began playing the piano at the age of six years old, and her family encouraged her to share her musical talent. She served as the organist for several churches including St. Thomas Baptist Church and Union Bethel Baptist in Portsmouth, VA., Men's Chorus at First Baptist Church Mahan in Suffolk, VA, and St. Mark Episcopal Church in Suffolk, VA.

She was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church for 60 years, where she sang in the Young Adult, Chancel, and Senior Choirs. She served as Former Assistant Minister of Music and Founder and Directress of the Angelic Choir, where she was the first to compose an album entitled “To God Be the Glory.” Minister Gatling served on the Board of Christian Education for two terms, taught Sunday School, served as Chairperson of the Pastoral Search Committee, and served as secretary on the Internal Improvement Building Committee at Ebenezer. She sang in the I. Sherman Greene Chorale and the Chesapeake Civic Chorus. She was the Founder and Directress of the Barbara A. Gatling Choral Ensemble.

Her faith in the Lord was as powerful as her desire to share her musical talent of praise. She enriched her area of ministry by obtaining a Master of Divinity Degree from Samuel D. Witt School of Theology at Virginia Union. Her Initiation to the Gospel Ministry was achieved on March 25, 2012 at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church under the esteem leadership of Bishop Curtis E. Edmonds, Sr. She remained a member of St. Mark until her demise. In October 2021, Minister Gatling moved to Greensboro, NC to be closer to her son and grandchildren and she faithfully attended Providence Baptist Church of Greensboro.

Minister Gatling is Golden Life member of the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she served as Project Chairperson for a couple of years. She was also a member of the Chesapeake’s Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., the NAACP, the Cedar Grove Civic League, and served as a campaign worker for Voter Registration in Chesapeake, VA.

On June 18, 1960, Barbara and LaDaniel Gatling were united in marriage and to this union was born one son, LaDaniel Gatling, II. Left to cherish the sweet memories of her life are her special heartbeats of love: her devoted son, LaDaniel Gatling, II and his wife, Kimberly Revita Bullock Gatling, and her three grandsons: LaDaniel III (“LA”), Carl Fletcher, and Jordan Dancy, all of Greensboro, NC. She will also be sorely missed by a host of other relatives and friends.

A service honoring her life will be held Saturday, February 11, 2023. The service will begin at 11am at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church; 2714 Frederick Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23702.

The internment will follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens; 3920 Airline Blvd., Chesapeake, VA.