The Reverend Samuel Morris Gatson, 77, longtime Jacksonville resident and former Palatka pastor, entered eternal rest peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2008. He was a native of Newark, NJ, however, he resided in Jacksonville most of his life. Rev. Gatson was a member at Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Rev. Herb Anderson. For 32 years, he was Owner/Operator of Mary Anns Golden Fried Chicken in Jacksonville, where he was initially employed as a Security Guard. Reverend Gatson served as Pastor of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church from 1973 until 1988. He leaves to cherish wonderful memories: a devoted wife of 17 years, Winona H. Gatson, Jacksonville; children, Yvette Scott, San Jose, CA., Benita M. Gatson, Jacksonville; step-children, Jacquelyne (Steven) Mack, Jacksonville; and Dr. Kenneth (Carmen) Mack, Plantation, FL; J; 9 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; sister, Gloria Butler, Waycross, GA; a host of other relatives, friends and former parishioners of Mt. Tabor. Visitation of family and friends will be Thursday, September 18th, from 5-6:30 p.m. and Friday from 9-11 a.m. at his church. A Victory Celebration will be held Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and the Homegoing Celebration will be Friday at 11 a.m. at Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 2407 Rev. S. L. Badger Jr. Circle, E., Jacksonville, with Rev. Herb Anderson, pastor, officiating and Rev. Ernie Murray, Pastor of St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church, presiding. Entombment will be in the Garden Cloister Mausoleum of Evergreen Cemetery, Jacksonville. Friends are asked to assemble at the church under the direction of ALPHONSO WEST MORTUARY, INC., 4409 Soutel Dr., Jacksonville.