August 8, 2024, 89, Goldsboro —

Addie Vandiford Gatlin, 89, passed away peacefully at Brookdale Country Day Road on Thursday, August 8, 2024. She was born in Pitt County to the late Matthew Daniel Vandiford and Katie Davenport Vandiford. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Leonard Gatlin III; and her siblings, Effie Lee Simmons, Maggie Harper, Matthew Daniel Vandiford, Jr., Billy Vandiford, Joyce Cullipher, Kay Frances Kilpatrick, Elizabeth Boyd, and Deanie Chappelear.

Addie’s love for kids was evident in all things she did. For many years she worked with a childcare facility at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Addie was always happy to be in the presence of little ones. She later became a valuable employee, as a seamstress, for Sportsman’s World in Goldsboro.

A beacon of kindness and compassion, Addie touched the lives of all who knew her. Her unwavering spirit and boundless dedication to family were evident in every aspect of her life.

God was always first in Addie’s life, above all else. Her church and church family were very important to her. Trinity Missionary Baptist Church was home for her and she loved to use her gifts and talents there for the Lord.

The family will receive friends on Monday, August 12, 2024, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate Addie’s life at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel. Interment will be in Wayne Memorial Park.

Addie is survived by her sons, James Leonard Gatlin, IV (Rip) and wife, Ginger, Gary Paul Gatlin and wife, Pam, and Kenneth Matthew Gatlin and wife, Kim; grandchildren, Sarah Gatlin, Tyler Gatlin (Alyssa), James “J.L.” Leonard Gatlin, V, and Michael Broadwater; great-grandchild, Elliot Gatlin; sisters, Barbara Adams, Sandra Faye Jones, and Lou Banta; and several nieces and nephews she loved very much.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Addie’s memory to the charity of one’s choice.

We would like to give a very special thank you to the many caregivers who assisted with Addie’s care through the years including Paula Edwards, Jennifer Kilpatrick with Love and Faith Caregivers, and the wonderful staff at Brookdale Country Day Road as well as Gentiva Hospice for the love and care they provided for Addie through the years and recently during her final days. Simple words cannot express our gratitude.

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.