Queen Esther Gadberry

Rev. Queen Esther Gadberry, a native of Boonville, North Carolina, was born June 25, 1927. Her parents, Lamon Clyde Gadberry and Mamie Queen Ann Gadberry, had nine children. In 1949, she moved to Baltimore. She joined the First Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church in October 24, 1964 under the dynamic leadership of the late Bishop Leo Kato Ceaser. On May 28, 1973, she promised God she would preach His Word. On June 25, 1973- her 46th birthday- and under the auspices of Bishop Leo Kato Ceaser, she preached her initial sermon. " Don't Let the Devil Fool You." Rev. Gadberry briefly attended Shaw University. She studied at Baltimore School of the Bible College, the Gospel Tabernacle of Perry Hall Bible Institute, the Dr. Harold A. Cater Determined, Biblical and Theological Institute and the Hampton University Ministries' Conference. She has been on study tours to Israel, Jordan, Greece, Egypt, and Petra. Rev. Gadberry considered herself, "J.A.V. (Just A Vessel)" She served in multiple roles at First Mount Olive- Senior Minister of the Elders and Ministerial Alliance, Spiritual Advisor to the Evangelistic Team and the Seasoned Seniors. She previously served as: Sunday School Teacher, Missionary, Wiling Worker, member of the Prayer Band, Helping Hand, Pastor's Aide, Women's Fellowship Choir member and Financial Data Clerk on the Administrative Staff. She was blessed to be a member of the Minister's Conference of Baltimore and Vicinity. Until her retirement, she was employed as Head Waitress as Pierce's Plantation Restaurant. Rev. Gadberry's testimony: " I thank Jesus for shedding His Blood that I might have a right to the tree of life and not have to burn in hell. I thank Him for the Holy Ghost Who He sent back to keep us. One day I came to Jesus as I was. I was wounded, worn and sad. I found Him a resting place and He has made me glad. When the Lord fixes you up, He fixes you good. He doesn't leave any stone unturned. Yes, we all had a "before", but thanks be to God for brining us out. What He's done for others, He will surely do for you." Rev. Gadberry was preceded in death by her parents and 8 of her siblings. She leaves to cherish her memory: her cousins, Rev. Dr. Dennis Bishop and Sis. Debbie Thomas; her niece Mrs. Ella Green, great-nephew Mr. Michael Sells, best-friend Dea. Lenora Highsmith, God-daughter Ms. Lutricia Felder a host of other cousins. great nieces, nephews, friends and church family.

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Queen Esther Gadberry

June 25, 1927 - March 25, 2018