Berdell Watson Gaston was born in Sheffield, Alabama on August 30, 1938, the fourth child and second son of Thomas Leon Gaston and Minnie Alto Watson Gaston. From the beginning, he was remarkable—big bright eyes, long eyelashes, and a head full of hair that led the elders to say he was “too pretty to be a boy.” His beauty was matched by a quiet strength that would define his life.

Only weeks after his birth, during a harsh winter marked by poverty and cold, Berdell fell gravely ill. With coal scarce and no access to medical care, family and church members gathered to pray, believing the baby might not survive. When his father, Thomas, returned home from work to find the house filled with praying church women, he immediately ran nearly two miles to Tuscumbia to find the only doctor who would treat Black families. Dr. Davis arrived just in time, diagnosing double pneumonia. Through decisive care, Berdell survived: his first great battle won, and a testament to the resilience that would carry him forward.

Berdell grew up during the lingering hardships of the Great Depression, as his family moved between Sheffield, the Tennessee Valley Authority communities, and Gilbertsville, Kentucky. These early years shaped his character rooted in faith, family, and perseverance. He was especially close to his brothers, Billy and Alonzo, inseparable companions known throughout the neighborhood as one unit: “Berdell, ’L’onzo, Billy.” He also had two sisters, Sadie Guinetta (“Net”) and Phyllis Imogene (“Baby Sis.”)

An exceptional student, Berdell excelled academically from an early age, earning straight A’s and teaching himself many subjects beyond the classroom. His love of music, especially band, became a defining passion and ultimately earned him a music scholarship to Kentucky State University. There, he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, ultimately becoming a proud life member. Berdell made his family proud, receiving letters home praising both his academic achievements and character.

As a young man, Berdell reunited with his high school sweetheart, Frances Ingram, whom he later married. Together, they built a life grounded in love and partnership, raising two daughters, Kellie and Leslie. Both grew into accomplished, talented women who reflected their parents’ devotion and values.

Berdell’s professional life was full of achievement. It was said he was the first Black manager of Kroger in Dayton (2nd in the nation) and was featured in Ebony magazine. He shared stories about starting work as an accountant at NCR before switching to their new digital computing business. He was also an entrepreneur, co-founding Techni-Write, Inc. with his brother Billy and later founding Cornerstone Systems where he contracted with RTA, the Dayton Board of Education and Central State University —an expression of his intelligence, courage, and belief in self-determination.

Music and recording was a passion of his, and the song he co-wrote with Bobby Jones in 1969, “Do you Get the Message”, was re-mastered and remixed in 2017 by a German record company called Cannonball Records and received thousands of online views.

In later years, the arrival of his grandchildren Ryan, Zachary, and Kira brought Berdell profound joy. In them, Berdell found the continuation of legacy, love, and promise: the evening of life illuminated not by sunset, but by enduring light.

Berdell Watson Gaston’s life was one of quiet brilliance, steadfast faith, and deep familial devotion. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, intellect, and love that will continue through generations.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Leon Gaston, Sr. and Minnie Alto Watson Gaston; and siblings Thomas Leon (“Billy”) Gaston Jr. (Norma), Alonzo DuBois Gaston, Phyllis Imogene McAdoo (Robert), and Sadie Guinetta “Net” Crawford (Earl). He is survived by his former sister-in-law, Marilyn Hughes Gaston; his daughters Kellie Frances Gaston Dixon and Leslie Marie Gaston-Bird (Andy); his grandchildren Ryan Berdell Dixon, Zachary Haydn and Kira Lillian Gaston-Bird; and a host of nieces and nephews.