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BORN
1948
DIED
2026
FUNERAL HOME
Herbert Gadson Obituary
Herbert Gadson
Hollywood, SC - The Honorable Herbert Gadson, the First Black Mayor of Hollywood, SC (1989-2003), and one of 28 survivors of the Orangeburg Massacre (February 8, 1968), died on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 5:42am at Roper Hospital (Downtown Charleston, SC). He is survived by his wife, Missionary Linda Dingle Gadson; his children, Reginald Everett Gadson, Reverend Telley Lynnette Gadson (SC UMC District Superintendent), and Shaytee Herbert Abraham Gadson; and his grandchildren, Quati Lenay Woodberry-Gadson and Qynn LeShay Woodberry-Gadson and their mother, Felisha Woodberry; his siblings, Lucille (William) Woods, John (Barbara) Atherton, and Derrick Gadson, his aunt, Archie Brisbon; his sisters-in-law, Viola Moore and Marthenia Perrin, and his expansive village of nieces, nephews, cousins, other close relatives, and friends.
A Christian Wake Service will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 6pm-8pm at Wesley United Methodist Church, 5100 Baptist Hill Road - Hollywood, SC 29449, with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. conducting the Omega Omega Service promptly at 6pm. The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 12noon at Sandhill United Methodist Church, 1961 Summers Drive - Ridgeville, SC 29472. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Old Wesley UMC Cemetery (Hollywood). The livestream of the Celebration of Life Service can be accessed via the Facebook page for Sandhill United Methodist Church (Ridgeville). Arrangements entrusted to DOROTHY'S HOME FOR FUNERALS, INC. (843) 722-0268. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dorothyshff.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Gadson
Franzina U. Nelson
January 11, 2026
The Garson Family Have My Deepest Condolences. I am sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in prayer. Love Y´all God Blessing.
Kiwanis Mitchell
January 10, 2026
My condolences and prayers are with the family . As a new employee of Fresenius my time with him was brief yet sweet. He was always welcoming and friendly to me and I will miss our conversations as well.
John E. Cuff
January 9, 2026
To Ms. Linda, Reggie and family--my sincere condolences--Rest assured he is in a better place.
Goodwine
January 8, 2026
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Much condolences to all of the Gadsen family...
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Elizabeth Bradshaw
January 8, 2026
Condolences to you and your family..God will strengthen you just as he said he would..His child has completed his work on this side of heaven. Praise his name
Cheryl Simmons
January 7, 2026
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mack Culbertson
January 6, 2026
So sorry for the loss of your father Pastor T.. remember how much you talked about your father and mother and I know that it will be a void there that God will need to patch. You love him, but God loves him best and has called him home. Have confidence in his resting place and know that you will see him after your journey has been completed.
May OUR father in Heaven continue to bless you and your family. I love you and "There's nothing you can do about it."
Beverly Gadson-Birch & the Gadson Family
January 5, 2026
We are saddened to learn of the passing of a legendary figure in our community. One who opened doors and paved the way for others. May God in His infinite wisdom sustain and comfort the family during this difficult time.
Beulah Scott
January 4, 2026
Linda and family so sorry for your loss. May God continue to keep you strong.
The Wannamaker Family
January 3, 2026
Our belated heartfelt condolences and deepest of sympathies to his memories, his family members, friends, co-workers, and all of his other loved ones, during all of their times of bereavement, mourning, and grieving. IN THE BLESSED, HOLY, AND MOST RIGHTEOUS NAME OF my PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST AMEN AND AMEN.
ROY A DEHAVEN
January 3, 2026
I will always praise Mayor Gadson for his efforts to help all of Hollywood over the years. Prayers for his family and many friends. Roy DeHaven
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Dorothy's Home for Funerals, Inc. - Hollywood Chapel6133 Highway 162, Hollywood, SC 29449
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