Mary Louise Gatling was born on June 16, 1944 in Newport News, VA to Edna and Roy Barber, Sr. Louise, as she was known to family, was the 6th of 8 tightly-knit children – a fact that still remains true today.  After moving to Washington, DC, she, along with her brother and sisters, joined the Drum and Bugle Corp where she was a Majorette.  It was around this time that she met her oldest and best friend, Gertie James.  After graduating from Spingarn High School, she joined the workforce at the United States Commerce Department, and after receiving numerous awards for outstanding services, she later retired from the US Patent and Trademark office.

In 1958, Louise met Herbert Gatling, Jr. (Billy), and they were married six years later.  From that union were born four daughters, Juanita, Teresa, Patrice and Aminta, all of whom she loved dearly and supported unconditionally.

After moving to 18th Street, NE, Mary and Herbert began attending the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, and were subsequently baptized.

If you knew Louise, you know that she loved her grandchildren tremendously, and would do anything for them to include attending their special events and games as often as possible until she was physically unable to do so. She also enjoyed just hanging out with her siblings and friends, and loved music, dancing and enjoyed watching football.  Sis. Gatling, even though ill and her memory fading, continued to show deep love and affection for her biological and spiritual families.

Sis. Gatling was preceeded in death by her parents, Edna and Roy Barber, Sr., sisters Joan Barber and Angela Richardson, and her daughter Juanita.  She is survived by her husband Herbert Gatling, Jr. and their children, Teresa (William), Patrice and Aminta; grandchildren William (Tre), Paris, Diondre, Aman, Davae and Tayla; her stepdaughter Latese; siblings Shirley Bell, Roy Barber, Jr. (Sadie), Betty Parker, Joann Hines, Willie Barber (Vanessa) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.