Verdelle Gaskin Obituary (1944 - 2022) - Bridgeport, Connecticut

Verdelle Baker-Gaskin was born on May 18, 1944, in New Zion, South Carolina. She is the eldest child born to the late Grant Turner Baker Jr. and the late Beaulah Arelene McFadden-Baker. Verdelle attended Alcolu Elementary School in South Carolina before moving with her family to Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1959. Verdelle graduated from Central High School in 1963. After high school, Verdelle was hired by F.W. Woolworth Company to work as a waitress. Verdelle helped to open the door for other black females. It was noted that Verdelle was the first black female waitress to be hired at the F.W. Woolworth Company in downtown Bridgeport, Connecticut on Main Street. She worked briefly for Corday Manufacturing Company in South Norwalk, Connecticut. Then she worked at The General Electric Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut for 10 years. Verdelle volunteered at the Ella Grasso Regional Center, caring not only for her daughter Karen (deceased), but for all the individuals with special needs. Because of Verdelles loving and caring spirit, Verdelle was hired by the State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services as a full-time mental health worker. After 30 years of dedicated service, she retired from the State of Connecticut in May 2003. Verdelle was well respected and highly regarded by her colleagues. Verdelle continued to keep sharing the love God put in her heart. She became employed by the Bridgeport Public School System as a Foster Grandparent and teacher assistant at Bryant School and Jettie S. Tisdale School. She really loved and enjoyed working with the children. She loved to share stories about the students and their progress every day. She delighted in being a nurturing positive figure in their lives. Upon leaving the Foster Grandparent program, after six years of service Verdelle wanted to remain active in her retirement. Verdelle had the most unusual experience, where she was approached by a stranger who wanted to purchase the hat she was wearing. To show her seriousness, the lady reached into her wallet and paid cash for the hat. It was then that Verdelle said "If I can sell a hat off the top of my head, then I should go into business for myself." It was then that Lady G. Fashions, was birthed in December 2009, along with her daughter Wanda. Lady G Fashions, a mother/daughter, black-owned business, specializing in womens millinery and accessories, where their motto is "Every Queen Deserves A Crown." Verdelle traveled extensively along the Northeast Corridor to vendor at Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention; International Association of Ministers Wives and Ministers Widows, Inc.; The Links Inc. regional convention; the New York-New England CME District Conference; and the New York-Washington Seventh Episcopal Annual Conference to name a few. Verdelle loved and wore her hats. She always proclaimed that youre not fully dressed unless youre wearing a hat. Verdelle gave her heart and life to the Lord at an early age. She joined Russell Temple C.M.E. Church in 1962 under the leadership of the Rev. Clyde Davis and has been an active, dedicated, and faithful member for 60 years. She served in several ministries such as the Senior Usher Board, Missionary Society Board, Utility Club, Pastors Aide, Senior Choir, Bereavement Committee, Class Leader and Stewardess Board. Her personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and love for her church was a core part of her life. She traveled with the late Bertha Allison and Hamilton B. Moore, Sr. to represent the church in the Fairfield County Ushers Unit. Verdelle worked tirelessly to fulfill Thanksgiving baskets for the needy with the Missionary Society Board. She would deliver the baskets in her minivan. She made sure that the pastor was stocked with water and his favorite apple juice. She cherished her role as a Class Leader visiting and spending quality time with her members often times being a companion, giving an encouraging word to lift their spirit. Under the leadership of the Rev. Nicholas T. ONeal, Verdelle was appointed to the Stewardess Board. She took her duties and responsibilities serious, going out with the pastor and ministers to give Holy Communion. She considered it an honor to follow in the footsteps of her mother being a Stewardess. Generous, warm-hearted, and benevolent are words that described Mother Gaskin. Many who knew her can attest to the fact that Mother Gaskin was uniquely gifted with the ability to bring joy to others with her delicious cakes. She would bake her German Chocolate or Strawberry layered cakes adding a little extra love in everything she baked. She was invited to join the Friendship Club and enjoyed the fellowship with other like-minded spiritual women. Going to the Stratford YMCA exercising in the pool to remain fit. She enjoyed gardening and can be found talking to her planets like they were her babies. She was rewarded a beautification award from the Seaview Garden Condo Association. Verdelle lived life and enjoyed traveling in and out the country and going on cruises. Verdelle and Wanda made it a point to take a major trip each year. They traveled together to Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Las Vegas, and New Orleans. Verdelle and Wanda would spend quality time together doing things like weekend trips to New York City shopping, going to plays and eating at new and different restaurants. They were not only mother and daughter but close friends with a special bond. Many people say if you see one- to other isnt far behind. On May 20, 1966, Verdelle married the love of her life, the late L.V. Gaskin at Russell Temple Church and from this union became a loving and devoted mother to two beautiful daughters, Wanda Regina Gaskin and Karen Elaine Gaskin (deceased). Verdelle Baker-Gaskin departed this life after a brief illness in Bridgeport Hospital, Tuesday April 5, 2022, at the age of 77. Verdelle was predeceased in death by her husband L.V. Gaskin and her daughter Karen Elaine Gaskin. Verdelle leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Wanda Regina Gaskin (Bridgeport, Connecticut) whom she loved with all her heart. Two sisters, Myrtle Baker-Smith (Newport News, Virginia), Lester Ree Baker (Bridgeport, Connecticut). Three Sisters-In-Law, Milla Dean Gaskin-Greene (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Patricia Williamson (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Annie Ruth Gaskin (Fort Lauderdale, FL); a Brother-In-Law, RV Williamson (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). Adopted daughter, Donna Moore Gives (Reverend Tillman). Adopted son, Julian (Tracey) JeanBaptiste. Her precious God children Dwayne Gardner, Jr. (deceased) and Styvelle Thompson. God Grandchildren, Keeana Toliver and Jazmin JeanBaptiste. A host of many Nieces, Nephews, Grand Nieces, Grand Nephews, Great Grand Nieces, Great Grand Nephews and Cousins. Verdelle may have been the mother of two, but her heart allowed her to be the Mother and Auntie to many, whom she loved and cared for as her own. Verdelle will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to have been a part of her life. You are invited to view the Celebration of the Life of Verdelle B. Gaskin on Thursday, April 14, 2022, @ 10:00 AM for the viewing and 11:00 AM for the funeral service. Please join the live-streamed celebration of life, by clicking the link below. Click HERE to view the home-going service for Verdelle B. Gaskin Visitation Thursday, April 14, 2022 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Russell Temple C.M.E Church 555 Connecticut Avenue Bridgeport, Connecticut 06607 Funeral Service Thursday, April 14, 2022 11:00 AM Russell Temple C.M.E Church 555 Connecticut Avenue Bridgeport, Connecticut 06607