CHARLESTON, W.Va. — At 80-years-old, former Kanawha County assessor and magistrate Phyllis Gatson would walk into work with her matching shoes, purse and accessories. She inspired others to present themselves in a positive way, according to current assessor Sallie Robinson, who was Gatson’s assistant for 10 years before filling her position in 2012 when she retired.
“She always said be your best and look your best because the first impression is a lasting impression,” Robinson said a day after Gatson died.
Gatson, 87, of Elkview, died Tuesday. She had been in hospice care.
“She just inspired so many people, not just me,” Robinson said. “She was like a mother figure and gave you direction. She always wanted to give you good direction.”
Robinson told MetroNews Gatson had a love for children. She said she would never forget the time Gatson went out of her way to help a family while she was a magistrate.
“She had placed someone in jail and she couldn’t stand the thought of their children not having any food, so she went out and purchased food for his family. That’s just who she was,” Robinson said.
Vera McCormick, the Kanawha County Clerk, also worked with Gatson for years. She said the county continues to mourn her death as they remember her dedication to the county and willingness to help others.
“Anybody could go to Phyllis. She would talk to them. She would guide them and she was just a wonderful person,” McCormick said.
“I feel like I lost a wonderful friend,” she added.
McCormick said Gatson’s smile and friendly spirit will never be forgotten.
Gatson served for 35 years in elected office. She was elected Kanawha County Magistrate from 1976-1995.
She was the first female Kanawha County assessor and one of the county’s longest-serving elected officials. She was appointed to assessor in 1995, elected in 1996 and reelected in 2000, 2004 and 2008. Also, she was named Assessor of the Year in 2007 by the state Tax Department.
Gatson is survived by her son, Charles D. Gatson II and wife, Brenda of Gainesville, Florida and daughter, Cathy Gatson and fiance Benny Bowen of Charleston, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are scheduled for this Saturday, March 26 at the Hafer Funeral Home in Elkview. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. followed by a funeral service.