Gadonna (Hastings) Rierson

Gadonna Hastings Rierson was born October 31, 1932, in Winston-Salem, NC. She passed away unexpectedly at Forsyth Hospital on April 23, 2021, at the proud age of 88.

Gadonna grew up in Winston-Salem and graduated from Hanes High School. After graduation, she worked at The Hastings Company, the auto parts rebuilding business that her father started in Winston-Salem in 1948 which later moved to King in the 1950s. It was here that she met the love of her life Carlton Jobe Rierson, Sr. In 1952 Gadonna and Carlton eloped to SC to marry. Their wedding date was believed to be April 6th, 1952. That was a date they kept to themselves because they did not tell their parents or anyone they were married until afterwards.

Carlton and Gadonna made King, NC, their home to lovingly raise four children. Later in life they divided their time between Ocala, FL, and King to spend as much time as possible with their grandchildren.  

Gadonna lived a full life as a wonderful wife, mom, grandma, grammy, great grammy, daughter, sister, aunt, and a friend to everyone. She treasured family and enjoyed every moment spent together. She faced many physical challenges throughout her adult life, but never let it slow her down. She was happiest being outside enjoying the sunshine and working in her flower garden. Sharing her love for the Lord and scripture reading were part of her everyday routine. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Gadonna. She was the stay-at-home mom, and later grandma aka grammy, that loved being mom for all the neighborhood kids. She was always supportive, loving, optimistic and up for any adventure.

Living to the grand age of 88, she leaves us with many special memories. Her unwavering and loving heart will forever remind us all of what is most important in life.

She was preceded in death by husband Carlton Jobe Rierson, Sr, and son Carlton “Sonny” Jobe Rierson, Jr., parents Harry Barnett and Edna Leona Hastings and sister Bettie McGee of CA

She is survived by daughters, Donna Botero and LuEllen Rierson (life partner, Donna Lawson); son, Martin Rierson (fiancé, Virginia Carlan); daughter-in-law, Jill Rierson (wife of Sonny Rierson); grandchildren; Nicole and Gallagher Dempsey, Monica Botero, Christopher and Ashley Botero, Matthew Rierson, Benjamin Rierson, Harrison Carlan and Victoria Adams; great grandchildren, Anabel and Jak Dempsey; along with three nieces, all living in CA:  Brenda Roberts, Wanda Marshall and Sandie Brown; sister-in law, Carlene Rierson (wife of deceased brother-in-law William Dalton Rierson)

Service will be held at First Baptist Church in King on Tuesday, April 27th at 6:00 pm, visitation following. Graveside service at Mount Zion Cemetery in Pinnacle on Wednesday April 28th at 11:00 am 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to King Outreach Ministry.

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Gadonna Hastings Rierson.  Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gadonna (Hastings) Rierson, please visit our floral store.