Mary Joyce Gatlin was born in Tampa, Florida, to Robert and Gladys McBride. Mary was a woman who embodied passion, dignity, and empowerment in herself and others. Mary Joyce was dedicated to many people, including family and friends, but especially to children. Early in life, she joined Friendly Missionary Baptist.

Over her 29-year daycare teaching career, she developed a passion and dedication to working with kids. Her love for kids grew so strong that even outside of the daycare she was always surrounded by kids and became the neighborhood grandma. As her love for kids grew, so did her love for Jesus as a Baptist Church Member at Christian Fellowship Church. She was known for her strong devotion to God and positive attitude in the church and with her peers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Gladys McBride; sons, Lewis and Kevin Gatlin; brothers, Fredrick Jenkins, Robert C. McBride, and Rodney McBride; and sister, Jessie Perry.

She leaves precious memories with her children, Viandera Gatlin, Sheryl Gatlin, Tamara Gatlin, and Cedric Gatlin, Sr.; grandchildren, Lewis J. Gatlin, Kimmie Richardson, Jamonte Gatlin, Jerome Haggins, Cedric Gatlin Jr. Promise T. Mendez, Tiffany and Jevebia Bell, Diandera Gatlin, and Tatiana Sherman; great-grandchildren, Jalen Bell, T'keira Brown, Dyonna Richardson, Monica Drew, Ayanna, Haggins, Jeremiah Haggins, Isabella Haggins, Janae Richardson, Mya Haggins, Azaria, Williams, Samaya Drew, and Aubree Ward; a very devoted sister, Belinda Faye Harrist (James); best friend, Gwen Sneed; and a host of other loving relatives, cousins, and friends.

Aikens Funeral Home

Aikens Funeral Home