"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day" - II Timothy 4:7-8 Joseph "Pep" Gadsden was born on April 29, 1925 in Bonneau, South Carolina. He was the fourth and youngest child born to the late Albert and Daisy Gadsden. He went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 10, 2008 at East Cooper Regional Medical Center, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. He received his formal education in the Berkeley County School System. He completed further training at Berkeley Training School. He served in the United States Army during World War II. Joseph was united in Holy Matrimony to Rebecca Nelson. This union was blessed with three children. Joseph accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and joined Bethel United Methodist Church. He loved the church and served faithfully in the following capacities: Sunday School Teacher, Church Secretary, Chairman of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, Financial Secretary and Trustee Board Member. Joseph was very interested in the life and growth of his community. He, on many occasions, was a contact point with county and political officials to ensure that the people of the community were informed of upcoming issues and events. He was one of the founding members of the Forty-One Fire Department and served as Chairman of the Fire Board until his health failed. He also worked with a community group to obtain the first public playground in Forty-One. He also loved to hunt, fish and raise cattle. These memories will live on in the lives of the people that he loved and loved him. Those left to cherish his memories are: a devoted and loving wife of more than sixty-one years, Rebecca Gadsden; three devoted daughters, Mary (Jessie) Saxon of St. Stephen, SC, Geraldine (Glenn) Robinson of Moncks Corner, SC and Frances Gadsden of the home; four grandchildren, Jessie Jr. (Belinda), Rebecca, Bethlynn and Bryan; three great-grandchildren, Jessica, Alana and Marsal; one brother-in-law, Rev. Lewis (Martha) Nelson; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Leola Gadsden; three godchildren, Elizabeth Burgess, Annie Ruth King and Nathaniel Gadsden; a special friend, Mr. Henry Gadsden; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please click on "Sign the Guestbook" below. Thank you!