Toya Ferguson Gayle

Toya Ferguson Gayle, 62, of Madison, Mississippi, passed away on August 26, 2025. She was born on January 3, 1963, in Memphis, Tennessee, to a family and community that would later know her as a source of strength, love, and laughter.

Toya attended Manhattan Academy, where she proudly served as Senior Class President and Head Cheerleader. She went on to attend the University of Mississippi in Oxford, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. While at Ole Miss, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. After graduation, she built a distinguished career in the stock market industry, serving as a licensed stockbroker with Prudential, UBS, and Wells Fargo Advisors for several decades. Known for her professionalism, drive, and leadership, she earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

Beyond her career, Toya was a devoted volunteer, offering her time and compassion to both animals and community members in need. She was affectionately known as “everyone’s 2nd Mom” in her neighborhood. During Hurricane Katrina, she welcomed neighbors into her home, one of the few in the area with power, embodying her generous and selfless spirit.

Toya was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon Byron and Marjorie Reames Ferguson. She is survived by her son, Johnathan; her brothers, Todd Ferguson and GG (B) Ferguson; and her sister, Felecia (Bob) Crumpton. Along with countless family and friends, they will remember her as one of the sweetest and kindest women they have ever known. She was hilarious, vibrant, and full of joy—truly a woman with a heart of gold and a mind of steel.

A memorial service will be held at Parkway Funeral Home and Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather, honor, and celebrate Toya’s remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider sending a donation to Webster’s Animal Shelter, located at 525 Post Oak Rd, Madison, MS 39110.