October 6, 1940 – January 15, 2025
OCRACOKE — Alda Vann O’Neal Gaskill, of Ocracoke, passed away peacefully in her home on January 15, 2025, with family by her side. She was born in Beaufort, NC on October 6, 1940, to the late Ansley and Neva Gaskins O’Neal.
Alda was a loving and dedicated daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family came before anything or anyone else, and she was always there for them. Whether lending a listening ear, traveling near or far, giving one of her warm hugs or opening her pocketbook, she was quick to sacrifice her own wants and needs for someone else. Her late husband, Bill, would just shake his head and say, “You can’t do nothing with her, and there ain’t no sense in trying.” Of course, he was getting ready to help her with whatever idea she came up with to help and wouldn’t have it any other way. That undying love and fierce loyalty was never more evident than after their son Danny was born in 1963 and daughter Doreen in 1966. Her children were truly her life, and years later, she embraced each grandchild with the same love. She also loved animals, especially dogs and cats, and if someone in her family had a pet, they fell under the same blanket of love. Everyone under her care had all the love and support they could ever need. She was a member of Ocracoke United Methodist Church and Ocracoke School PTA and was involved with her children’s and grandchildren’s activities.
She felt very blessed to have grown up on Ocracoke among family and friends, and often said she’d seen the best of Ocracoke. Alda was an enthusiastic storyteller without intentionally setting out to be one. She shared her favorite childhood memories and had the ability to recall not only her own adventures but also the stories that were told to her by others, especially her elders. She could tell you how people were related and connected and usually had a funny story to pass along too. One of her favorite things to do was dance, and she loved it when her father played his fiddle with the band. She was fond of saying that she loved to hear him “rag” that fiddle as she danced the night away. She swam, biked and enjoyed spending time at her maternal grandparents’ house Down Point and her paternal grandparents’ house Round Creek. Helping with a few chores would earn her enough to shop in Albert Jr.’s store for a candy bar and an ice-cold bottle Coke. During the summer, she would wait for her father to come in on his boat The Dolphin and unload the mail. On special occasions, she and her mother would accompany her father on the mail run for a shopping trip in Beaufort. Even in her 80s, she could recount the names of the stores along with what she bought, especially if her purchases were clothes or shoes.
Alda graduated from Ocracoke School in 1959, with a class size of two students. A few years later in 1962, she married the love of her life, Bill Gaskill, after realizing they’d each had a crush on the other since they were children. Alda and Bill always said they were meant to be together. They enjoyed 59 years together until Bill’s death in April 2021. Bill’s U.S. Coast Guard career had them moving to different places until he retired in 1976, at which time they moved back home to Ocracoke to raise their children.
Alda loved a good shopping trip off island, but QVC helped keep her interested in between trips. Clothes, shoes and jewelry were her favorites. Bill could frequently be seen leaving the post office with a pile of packages while shaking his head and smiling. She enjoyed Bingo at the Fire Hall and was one of a handful of ladies that had their designated table and rarely missed the OVFD fundraiser. She also enjoyed the PTA Halloween Carnival and never missed Quizo (the school’s version of Bingo) and the Cake Walk. Her love of sweets was no secret, and she’d give her grandchildren tickets to participate in the Cake Walk to increase her chances of taking home a cake, or two. She always supported fundraiser bake sales and usually arrived early to get her favorites. She enjoyed something sweet and an ice-cold Coke as much as an adult as she did as a child.
Alda was predeceased by her parents Ansley and Neva O’Neal, her son William Daniel “Danny” Gaskill, Jr. and her husband William Daniel “Bill” Gaskill, Sr.
Left to carry on her legacy of love is her daughter, Doreen Gaskill Robinson; her grandsons, Ansley Robinson and Eldon Robinson (Maria); her granddaughters, Chrisi Gaskill (Charles) and Katelyn Gaskill (Dustin) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life honoring Alda will be held at the Ocracoke United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 8th. All are invited to attend.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Ocracoke United Methodist Church, PO Box 278, Ocracoke, NC 27960, or online at https://www.ocracokeumc.com/donate.
Those that shine so brightly, leave a long shadow.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
