Nicole Soniere Gwathney-McCaskill, 58, of Charlotte, NC; formerly Long Branch, NJ.
Nicole passed away peacefully in Charlotte, NC at Atrium Health University City. She was a cherished daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and beloved member of her family. She was a strong, determined, hardworking, and loving woman who gave her all to the people and things that mattered most to her.
A graduate of Long Branch High School’s Class of 1986, Nicole was known for her personality and unmistakable sense of style and was rightly named “Best Dressed” of her graduating class, in fitting recognition of her confidence and individuality.
Nicole took great pride in her career and was known for her professionalism, and ability to achieve results. Throughout her professional life, she worked in Human Resources for Wheelock in Long Branch, NJ, was Head Executive Assistant for Mack-Cali in Tinton Falls, NJ, an Administrative Assistant for the New Jersey law firm Manna and Bonnello in Long Branch, NJ, and served as Confidential Secretary for the Long Branch Board of Education. She brought dedication, organization, and excellence to her work and was known for being someone who could be counted on.
Later in her career, Nicole found great success in Sales at Caring.com in Charlotte, NC and later became a remote Customer Service Representative for New York Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program. Her natural ability to connect with people made her a standout in her field. Consistently driving results and taking great satisfaction in doing her very best, Nicole was often recognized as a top performer. While in Charlotte, NC, Nicole rekindled her love for the Bible and attended the Brookshire Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She treasured and cherished all that she was learning.
Above all, Nicole was a mother. As a Long Branch Green Wave Pop Warner Cheerleading coach, she lovingly coached her daughters. She wholeheartedly supported her son, showing up for his football games and cheering him on from the sidelines. She was the kind of mom who showed up for every child and was the classic go-to mom for almost anything anyone needed. She was known as the biggest supporter, encourager, and cheerleader by many.
Nicole was the cherished daughter of Emanuel Keith Gwathney and Kimberly Joyce Towler-Williams and the beloved granddaughter of Ruth Gwathney and Emanuel Madison Gwathney, and Wilma Towler-Sims and James Louis Sims. She is remembered by her former husband, Eric McCaskill, Sr., with whom she shared cherished memories and the blessing of their family.
Nicole was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Huey McCaskill.
She leaves to cherish her memory her three children, Dr. Ashley Nicole Gwathney, Eric McCaskill, Jr., and Lauren Kimberly McCaskill; her grandchildren Joshua Elijah Gwathney-Jeter, Mia McCaskill, Charleigh McCaskill, Ella McCaskill, Parker McCaskill, Jurnee McCaskill, Josiah Ellington-McCaskill, Halo McCaskill; her step-mother Dorinda Gwathney, sister Nia Gwathney, brother Emanuel Gwathney, Jr., and his wife Pilar Gwathney; a host of aunts and uncles, many loving cousins, extended family, family friend Sister Mary Patterson, and friends who loved her dearly.
Nicole will be remembered for her strength, determination, ambition, and most importantly her love for her family. It was the everyday moments on the sidelines, the celebrations, the family cookouts and reunions, the conversations, the laughter, and simply being there that became the memories her loved ones will treasure most. Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, family, and all those whose lives she touched.
