Mr. George Gaston

With grateful hearts and cherished memories, we celebrate the life of George Gaston, who entered eternal rest at 93 years young. George gave his family a lifetime of love, laughter, guidance, and protection-and his presence made their world brighter. George was surrounded by his family when he transitioned to eternal life on Saturday, January 3, 2026. George Gaston was born on September 4, 1932, to the union of Murry Sr., and Lillie (Swanigan) Gaston in Utica, Mississippi. George was the youngest of ten siblings, and he carried with him the warmth, wisdom, and humility that often comes from being raised in a large family. He accepted Christ at a very young age. On October 6, 1951, George united in holy matrimony with Dorthel Craft in Jackson, Mississippi. Their union was blessed with nine children, which included three (3) sets of twins. George received his formal education through the Hinds County, Mississippi public school system. He was an avid believer and supporter of education and often said "once you get) our education, no one can take it from you. George and Dorthel grew up in Mississippi during the Jim Crow era, and even as a young man, George had a protective spirit and fearless love for his family. His belief in God kept him, sustained him, and guided his steps during an unforgiving time. As a young man in the early 1950's, George helped build the Natchez Trace Parkway, a National Park Service landmark and part of the National Park System. The work demanded strength, discipline and that same courage, faith, and steady confidence remained with him throughout his life. George's family has so many fond memories of their father, especially the simple moments that became traditions. Traditions like watching old T.V. westerns, Family Feud with Steve Harvey, and Politics Nation with Rev. Al Sharpton as well as accompanying him to his many community service events in which he was involved. There was truly never a dull moment with George. George was wonderfully funny, and his sharp wit kept everyone on their toes. And when he was serious, everyone knew it-because he made sure everyone knew it. George wore many hats and filled family days with joy when everyone gathered for holidays and special occasions. His children remember the fun they had rolling down the hills at Estabrook Park in Shorewood, Wisconsin, taking Sunday drives by Lake Michigan and stopping for ice cream before going back home in addition to participating in sack races at community park events, and being included in the social gatherings he helped to organize. At the time, they thought that they were just having a good time. Looking back, they now understand the bigger picture, their father was building community, meeting needs, and giving back in ways that made a lasting difference." George was a man of service. He believed in identifying what people needed and doing what he could to help. And somehow, while raising a large family alongside his beloved wife, Dorthel and working as a supervisor at Pabst Brewery, and maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit with multiple businesses, where he was given the nick name "GG", he still made time for his family. His family was blessed by him every single day. On occasion, during his earlier years, George enjoyed riding motorcycles from time to time. Faith was the foundation of George's life. One of the scriptures he lived by was: "Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16. And shine he did. George's light was steady, strong, and encouraging-like a morning star for his family and all who knew him. George was a faithful member of Tabernacle Community Baptist Church of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and was a member for 70 years. With honor and dedication, George served as an usher. He carried out his ministry with dignity, respect, and a deep love for his Tabernacle Community Baptist Church family. George pursued a variety of employment opportunities after arriving in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the 1950s. He worked in the tannery industry and later worked for American Motors. In addition, he owned and operated a gas station on the Northside of Milwaukee called the Gaston Brothers with his cousin Reverend Dr. Bennie J. Gaston. But their relationship was more than cousins, because they always referred to each other as brothers all of their lives. The skills and experience Gorge gained through these roles prepared him for a new chapter in a different industry. George was hired at Pabst Brewery, where he worked for more than 28 years before retiring in 1994. His family celebrated that milestone with pride-his loyalty, commitment, and hard work were a testimony all by themselves. Retirement didn't slow him down for long. George saw the needs of others and responded with action and love. He was instrumental in forming a retiree group for retired Pabst Brewery co-workers, keeping their fellowship and connection strong after years of shared labor. Even more, George's heart for caring and compassion for others poured into Tabernacle Community Baptist Church. When he recognized the need to support members, he joined with others to create a ministry of presence and comfort: the "Over e Hill Brothers". The Over the Hill Brothers was a service and social group that helped members feel connected and cared about within the Tabernacle Community Baptist Church family. Another favorite verse of his was: ''Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." - Matthew 7:7 George lived his faith out loud. We saw it in the kindness he showed others and the way he raised his children to first lean on God, trusting and believing in Him, even when life is hard. George loved Dorthel with all his heart. He was devoted to his beloved wife. George and Dorthel became childhood sweethearts at the tender age of 12. They grew up in the Deep South of the state of Mississippi during a turbulent time during the Jim Crow era. Even then, George protected the love of his life, Dorthel. George lost his own father when he was very young. Yet strength, endurance, determination, and love were instilled in him through the covering of his mother, Lillie. We could go on and on about George's life journey, but as he would tell us: keep moving, love and take care of each other, and always keep God first in all that you do. Rest in peace, our bright and morning star. George Gaston departed this earthly life on Saturday, January 3, 2026. George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorthel Gaston; two sons, Elbert Carl Gaston and George Gaston, Jr., and daughter, Geraldine Gaston; grandparents, Villiam and Anna Gaston; parents, Murry and Lillie Gaston; siblings, Willie O. Gaston, Elizabeth Gaston, Anna Mary Craft, Murry Gaston, Jr., Taylor Gaston, Earlene Tillman, LeFlora Jones, Beldora Gaston, Emma Gaston, Elizabeth Gaston; and beloved first cousin and life-long brother, Reverend Dr. Bennie J. Gaston. George Gaston leaves to cherish his memory: daughters, Linda (Don) Gaston-Mounger, Carolyn Gaston and Bonnie Jean (Cary) Edwards; sons, Tommie D. Gaston, Donald Gaston and Ronald (Janice) Gaston; grandchildren, Danny D. Pope, Ebony Cobb, Jessica (Curtis) Gaston-Wise, Crystal (Chaz Sr.,) Jones, Sabrina (Kyle Tipton, Sr.) Gaston, Tommie Orange Gaston, Dorthel Gaston, Taylor Hubbard Gaston and Alessandria Gaston; great-grandchildren, Cori Jones, Chaz Jones, Jr., Kyle Tipton, Jr., Kash Tipton, Saige Tipton, Joshua Wise and Journey Wise; very dear and special friends, Sis. Warrine Wanzo, Sis. Lydia Farmer and Sis. Dora Johnson; his lifelong friend, Lamar Brown; as well as a host of nieces and nephews, other family and friends.

Mr. George Gaston

September 4, 1932 - January 3, 2026