Gayle was born on May 7, 1940, in Sherman, Texas. She was raised on a dairy farm with her sister Donna. The “Girls” developed their work ethic by milking cows every morning before school. Gayle graduated from Sherman High School in May 1958, however, in May 1957, she met her soulmate Rodney, also known as “That Boy”. He was an airman in the United States Air Force stationed at Perrin Air Force base in Sherman. Thus began their life adventure.

On May 26, 1960, Gayle and Rodney married. Following a “Whirlwind Honeymoon” in Shreveport, Louisiana, they moved to Denton, Texas while Rodney attended North Texas State University. Following Rodney’s graduation in May 1962, they moved to Longview, Texas where both of their two boys, Robert and Scott, were born. From there they started their life across Texas moving from town to town following job promotions for Rodney, and raising two active boys. Ultimately, they moved to Cleburne where they met their closest most precious friends at St. Mark United Methodist Church.

Gayle was an active member of several organizations including Beta Sigma Phi, Red Hat Society, Kings Daughters and of course her beloved “LLMT” group, the Luscious Ladies of Mexican Train. She and Rodney loved traveling with family and friends, especially their trips to Ruidoso, NM.

Gayle was a lover of life and family. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She adored her children and extended family.

Gayle passed peacefully on April 7, 2022, at home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert Basil Graves and Mary Francis Edwards.

Her Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Cleburne. Graveside services will follow in Longview, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Johnson County Humane Society or St. Mark United Methodist Church.

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