Hugh Dell Gatewood

From the voice of Dr. Hugh Dell Gatewood over the years

Whether you saw me on a school campus, in a church sanctuary, or standing on a convention stage, you witnessed chapters of my life—moments God allowed me to live out loud. But allow me, just this once, to share my own narrative. Only God could have blessed me with a journey stretching more than 88 years, and it all began right here in Houston, Texas.

I entered this world as the oldest of four children born to Hugh Milton and Dorris C. Shackelford Barnett. Being the eldest wasn’t a burden—it was my first ministry. Family shaped me, anchored me, and guided my steps. My heart carries the memory of my dear brother, Carl Milton Barnett, and my sister, Labetha Ann Barnett Phillips Dixon, who have gone on before me. And I treasure my youngest sibling, Virginia Alice Barnett Daughtry, who lovingly walked with me through life’s final seasons.

Growing Roots in Studewood Heights

My childhood was framed by the familiarity of Studewood Heights—neighbors who felt like kin, streets where everyone knew your name, and a community that helped raise me. I made my way through James D. Burrus Elementary and Junior School, eventually walking the halls of Phyllis Wheatley on Market Street.

Education wasn’t just a goal—it was my calling. I believed deeply that learning was the key that unlocked service. So I pursued it with everything in me, completing my college education, post-baccalaureate work, and finally that cherished Ph.D. at Texas Southern University. TSU didn’t just train my mind—it shaped my mission.

It was during those undergraduate years at TSU that another lifelong journey began—I was initiated into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. The principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood were not mere ideals to me; they became a blueprint for how I lived my life. Zeta taught me that intellect must serve community, that leadership must be compassionate, and that womanhood must be cultivated with grace, dignity, and excellence. Those values aligned perfectly with my faith walk and guided me through every role I held—from educator to missionary, from church leader to national servant.

My teaching journey began with hope and fire at Central High School in Galveston, continued at Booker T. Washington, and concluded at Jefferson Davis High School. When I retired, it wasn’t to sit still—it was to step fully into the ministry that always tugged at my spirit: serving women and children in the organized work of the church. That was my joy.

Finding My Jerusalem—and the Love of My Life

My spiritual foundation was laid early. At age 6, I united with the Concord Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Elijah Reginald Green. I jumped into the youth movement, taught junior classes, and sang with all my heart. God was training me even then—giving me the voice, the courage, and the compassion to serve on larger stages.

Near the end of my time at TSU, the Lord brought back into view a young man I’d known before— one I must admit I did not particularly care for at first! But God and His grace have a way of reshaping our opinions. That young man became the love of my life, Timothy Gatewood, Jr. We built a beautiful life together until God called him home in 1988. To our union was born our wonderful daughter, Bridget Cassandra Gatewood. When I married Timothy, he already had a son, Anthony Eugene Gatewood, who instantly became my darling son. My heart always counted them both.

I worked early in life at our family grocery store right next door to the home I grew up in. When my father sold the property, we moved—but I never drifted far. Because public transportation at the time was poor, I stayed with my grandmother at 309 East 32nd Street so I could reach TSU. The sacrifice was small compared to the future God was preparing.

After marrying, I joined Greater First Baptist Church, where Rev. Dr. W. E. Gibbs pastored me for 42 years. I remained there for 50 years before uniting with St. Luke Baptist Church, where I completed my earthly assignment.

Leading by Serving: From Local Church to Global Impact

My Jerusalem—my local church—was the place where I learned that leadership begins on your knees. I taught Sunday School across generations, organized the church school, and spent countless Wednesdays teaching the Nurture Teachers.I continued my religious training and grew in my walk with Christ, earning advanced certifications in Christian Education, and received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities in 2001. But titles never impressed me! With all the Lord allowed me to do and be, being called “servant” meant the most.

Over the years, the Lord opened doors and expanded my borders:

In the Local Church:

• President, Mission Ministry (42 years)

• Co-Director of Christian Education

In the State:

• President, Woman’s Auxiliary of the Baptist Missionary & Educational Convention of Texas (37 years)

In the Nation:

• President, Woman’s Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Incorporated (2005–2016)

Incredibly, my feet touched 48 states and multiple countries. I stood on international platforms, crossed the sea in ecumenical journeys, and was even honored to be a guest of the Vatican in Rome. I inspected a hospital in Blantyre, South Africa, and attended the Baptist World Congress in Durban — always carrying the Word of God, the heart of a servant, and a message of hope.

In December 2011, I sat at tables in the White House, speaking with representatives of President Barack Obama about issues that mattered deeply: voter suppression, healthcare, and education. I went not for recognition, but so the voices of women and children could rise where decisions are made.

My True Legacy

I leave behind more than service—I leave love. My devoted daughter, Bridget, my son Anthony (Jeanette), my dear sister Virginia, Sister in law Dorothy Loughridge and a beautiful lineage of grandchildren—Tiffany, Timmeka, Richard, Tiara, and Sable; five great-grandchildren: Riley, Tiana, Floyd, Tymir, and Tre’Veaughn. My God-children, Dion Dixon, Monroe McClain, Jr., Andria McClain, and Rory Thompson Jr., also hold special places in my heart. These are the ones who carry my joy forward. My beloved granddaughter, Danielle, preceded me to glory. My countless other family members friends, associates, ministry partners, and my dear Zeta Sorors… I pray I will hold an indelible mark in your heart.

Over these 88 extraordinary years, I have been a teacher, a wife, a mother, a missionary, a global ambassador, and above all—a humble servant of the Lord. If my life has shown anything, it is that God can take a willing heart—from Studewood Heights to the nations—and use it for His glory.

Trust me, beloved, I am grateful……

For every step.

For every soul.

For every assignment.

For every blessing on the journey.