Helen Marie (Smith) Gatson

Life’s Reflection

Helen Marie Smith Gatson, 86, passed away on April 29, 2019, at her home in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born on Sept. 14, 1932, in Strong, Arkansas, to Grady and Emma Smith. Helen attended Gardner High School, also in Strong, Arkansas, before moving to Kansas City, Kansas in 1957. 

She married Minor Gatson and was happily married for 46 years. Helen and Minor raised their five children together and shared similar passions: fishing, hunting and traveling in their RV. 

Helen was a proud member of Second Metropolitan Baptist Church for six decades. From serving on boards and committees to serving as the Assistant Sunday School Director for many years, Helen was very involved and close to her church family. Helen also enjoyed sewing, quilting and hosting her large family for holiday gatherings.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, C.S., A.G, Ollie B., Thorton, and Grady Jr., and her son, George Lee Gatson, Sr.

Helen is survived by her sons, M.C. (Laurie) Gatson, Sylvester (Barbara) Gatson and Gary Gatson; her daughter Tyjuania Gatson; her sister, Zella; her grandchildren, Anthony Gatson, Charnie Gatson, Parrish Adair, Michele Lewis, Ayanna Gatson, Kimmel Gatson, Janelle Gatson, George Gatson Jr., Janiece Richard, Markita Fantroy, Donita Gatson, Syreeta Jones, Tyuania Dodds, Shaina Melgar, and Helena Stovall; great grandchildren Dane Gumas, Tyler Garner, Kennedy Garner, De’Bryontea Gatson, Breala Gatson, Pierre Richard, Steven Hooks, Shane Hooks, Marshala Fantroy, Eyonna Fantroy, Emiya Fantroy, Martez Young Jr., Faith Clark, Serenity Jones, Aniya Dodds, Lelah Dodds, Tyler Sabljak, and Lyla Stovall; great-great grandchildren, Liam Gatson, Kal-El Gordon Guman-Smith, and Alanis Miller; her nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends. 

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