Watson-North Funeral Home is honored to be of service and ministry to the family of Esther Bates Gaul, age 95 of Estill Springs. Mrs. Gaul passed from this life August 29, 2021. Mrs. Gaul was an active and long-time member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church and was a very dedicated volunteer at Good Samaritan. She loved to cook and spent much time experimenting with recipes. She was a very talented quilter and made quilts for family and friends. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During her working years, Mrs. Gaul worked at Wriker Pontiac then at V. R. Williams Insurance. She had mind sharp and quick by working puzzles and she could out-maneuver anyone playing dominos. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, John Paul Gaul, who was a former mayor of Estill Springs. Also preceding Mrs. Gaul in death are her sisters, Mary Ruth Duncan and Shirley Cunningham and brothers, James Bates and Edward Bates. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra (Gary) Edelman of N. Myrtle Beach, SC. In addition to her daughter, Mrs. Gaul leaves her grandchildren, Melody Breeden of Myrtle Beach, SC, Jenny Edelman of Little River, SC and Harmony Robinson of Lexington, SC and 5 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Watson-North Funeral Home Thursday September 2, 2021 between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m. The funeral Mass will be restricted to immediate family and personal invitation only. The funeral Mass will be conducted at Good Shepherd Church at 4 p.m. Friday September 3, 2021. Following the funeral mass, Mrs. Gaul will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Watson-North Memorial Park. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Good Samaritan Center, 1725 Decherd Blvd, Decherd, TN 37324 or The Salvation Army, 829 Dinah Shore Blvd, Winchester, TN 373978. Out of an abundance of caution and out of concern and respect to others attendees, the family requests that those paying their respect during visiting hours wear a mask and practice appropriate social distancing.
