Norma Gayle Newsome Smith Obojtek, age 71, of Columbus passed away on April 11, 2019. A visitation will be held on Monday, April 15, 2019 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary Columbus. A Celebration of Gayle’s Life will be held Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at Striffler-Hamby's Edgewood Hall at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Parkhill Cemetery.
Gayle was born in Dothan, AL on November 24, 1947; the daughter of James Edward Newsome and Margaret Juanita Shaw Newsome. She graduated from Jordan High School and became a beautician. She continued her education and received her Nursing Degree from Columbus Technical College in 1982. She worked for St. Francis Hospital, Cuyahoga Falls Hospital, and Jack Hughston Hospital.
Gayle loved her Savior Jesus Christ and was a member of Edgewood Assembly of God. Through the years, Gayle’s faith was a source of strength to her. She was a caring and compassionate person who enjoyed serving others by doing things such as sitting with the sick, taking a meal to someone, being spiritually uplifting, or just giving someone a smile. Gayle loved to cook and trying new recipes was always exciting for her, and an adventure for her family too. Gayle often used humor as a way to enjoy the good times and soften the tough times. She loved entertaining others and would do all kinds of crazy things to get a laugh. She cherished her friends, enjoyed visiting with them, and going out to eat. She taught her children many things including integrity, compassion, independence, and perseverance.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Obojtek. Survivors include her daughters: Tammy (Lamar) Timmons, Tracie (Tony) Wilcurt; grandchildren, Desiree McAfee, Zachary Romeri, Joshua Land, Corey Timmons, Austin Timmons; two sisters: Delores Flemming, Nancy Jones; her Uncle Glen Newsome and Aunt JoAnne Brazell, three great grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Newsome Smith Obojtek family.
