Biography: On August 1st, 1936 a beautiful bouncing baby was born to Miss Maggie Robertson and Mr. Oliver Mitchell. Elise was the only child born of that union. She grew up in Portsmouth, VA and in Ahoskie, NC. She was a delightful and loving child always willing to share whatever she had been gifted with cousins. She had a half-brother Oliver Jr. and sister Alfreda.
She attended Catholic school in Virginia and then RL Vann in Ahoskie where she graduated. Later she would meet her first love Curt Hardy and from that union mothered her first son Ronald Ray Robertson Sr.
Later in life she met and fell in love with Alfred Bernard Gatling. From that union together three children Alfred Keith, Alfreda Beryl and Darnell La’Rue Gatling were born. The two newlyweds started their lives together on Snipes Street in Ahoskie NC.
They subsequently moved to Elizabeth NJ where they proceeded to raise their children. In 1965 they moved to The Big Apple for a better life where she became a bookkeeper for New York City where she worked until retirement. Finally laying down roots at 69 W 138th St. and then 1390 5th Ave, where she lived until that inhumane disease Dementia took over. The Amsterdam nursing home was where she resided until God called her home.
Elsie was a good-hearted given person. If she could assist you in any way she would. She loved traveling and would do so frequently with her daughter.
She had traveled to Jerusalem, Bermuda, Bahamas, St. Maarten, Florida, numerous cruises and her favorite places Las Vegas as you all know and Atlantic City with her daughter and occasionally her son Darnell and a friend or two. Even though she grew up Catholic she transferred her religious affiliation to Baptist and joined Canaan Baptist Church in Harlem.
Elsie is preceded in life by: her husband Alfred Bernard Gatling, her sons Ronald Ray Roberson Sr. and Alfred Keith Gatling Sr. All of whom went on to glory early in life.
She leaves to mourn: one son Darnell La’Rue and one daughter Alfreda Beryl. She also leaves two daughters- in- law Delsi Gatling and Delores Gatling, three grandchildren Ronald Ray Jr, Alfred Keith Jr. and Darnell II. A host of step grandchildren from Alfred’s marriage and two great grandchildren. She also leaves a host of cousins, nieces, play cousins, and one God daughter Jessica Williams.
Elsie Gatling transitioned in her last place of residence Amsterdam Nursing Home on October 21st, 2024 at 5:00 PM…
We love you but God loves you more…When my time is nigh lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Rest in Peace Mommy
