Evangelist Lanita Loretta Gadson

Born in West Palm Beach and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, Lanita Loretta Gadson was the second of eleven children. Born to Ira Smith and Margaret Thompson Smith, she attended elementary, junior high and high school in Daytona graduating from Campbell Highschool.

Evangelist Gadson continued her education, traveled and worked in different cities until meeting the love of her life, Deacon John William Gadson (her husband of 56 years) in Jacksonville Beach Florida. Lanita led a very influential and spiritual life. Taking her talents to the Health, Property and Casualty Insurance at Prudential Insurance company and later Educating youth within Duval County Public schools from where she retired in 2017.

Evangelist Gadson has been a member of the First Missionary Baptist church for over 55 years. She has served in many capacities including but not limited to the following: Church Clerk, Sunday School Teacher, Outreach Ministry, Deaconess board and later became Evangelist.

Evangelist Gadson enjoyed supporting the magnificent seven (her grandchildren), her children, nieces and nephews and most importantly her husband. A devoted lover of Christ her favorite past time was Worshipping God, witnessing, and visiting the sick, shut in and bereaved with her husband.

Evangelist Gadson was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret McBride; father, Ira Smith; and son, John C. Gadson.

Lanita leaves to cherish, her loving husband, John William Gadson; three daughters, Dawn Stewart (Kelvin), Katina Gadson-Booker (Ronnie) and Joy Gadson; seven grandchildren, Brandon Woods, Kalib Woods, Jakira Muse (Kim), Kirae Woods, Jaren Muse, Auriyah Stewart and John C. Gadson II; her great-grandchildren, Onyx Woods, Jordan Muse, Reign Muse and Joël Muse; sisters, Marvine Poole, Vannessa Lloyd, Michelle McBride and Joyce Thompson; brothers, Alfred Smith, Howard Smith, Walter Smith, Gary Smith, James McBride and Harold McBride; sisters-in-love, Diane Johnson, Maggie Graham and Burnell Jackson; loving family members, Mary Gilbert, Yvette White, Lena Gilbert, Darnell and Ava Baxter; god-daughter, Courtney Riggins- Charles; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and family and devoted friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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