07/02/2026
Missionary Linda Di**le Gadson, endeared to the world as "MOTHER G" and "MAMA G," entered eternal rest in the evening on Monday, June 29, 2026, surrounded by her family, at Roper Saint Francis Hospital in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. God whispered, "Servant of God, well done," as heavenly angels transported her from earth to heaven. Born on July 22, 1949, she was the youngest child of the late Julius Thomas Di**le and Annabell Pinckey Di**le.
Mother G was a devout Christian woman, committed to daily prayer, praise, and worship. Her "HALLELUJAH! Prayer Room" was open to all as a haven of hope, joy, and peace. A dedicated member of Wesley United Methodist Church (Hollywood, SC), she spent almost five decades working in non-profit, human services at Rural Mission, Inc., formerly located on Johns Island, SC. The mission was home to several ministries, provided care and support for "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40-45), including a migrant head start project. She is the first Black woman to graduate from the College of Charleston, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in June, 1972. Widow of the Honorable Herbert Gadson, the first Black Mayor of Hollywood, SC (their hometown), she received the Order of the Palmetto in 2010, the highest honors bestowed upon a South Carolina resident.
Mama G is survived by three children, Reginald Everett Gadson, The Reverend Telley Lynnette Gadson, and Shaytee Herbert Abraham Gadson; two granddaughters, Quati Woodberry-Gadson and Qynn Woodberry-Gadson, and their mother, Felisha Woodberry; two sisters, Viola Moore and Marthenia Perrin, and a vast village of family-at-heart across the country and the world. A Christian Wake Celebration will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 5:00pm at Wesley United Methodist Church (Hollywood,SC), and her Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026 at 1pm at Charleston First Assembly Church. Your fervent prayers are requested and appreciated for the Gadson Family and all who loved Mama G/Mother G!
