Gayle Windham Arms

Gayle W. Arms peacefully passed away at her home, surrounded by her loving children, on Sunday, August 4, 2024. Born on April 21, 1936, she was the beloved daughter of Woodrow and Minnie Windham of Wheeler County, GA. She was the last remaining sibling as her brothers Jack and Jeff have gone before her.

Gayle spent her youth in Georgia before the family moved to Jacksonville, FL. Gayle graduated from St. Luke’s Nursing School and began her lengthy career as a Registered Nurse and Nurse Manager at St. Luke’s Hospital; retiring as a Nurse Administrator in 1994.

In 1957, Gayle married James D. Boyd, Jr. and worked together to raise their three wonderful children, David, Robbie and Becky. All three agree, “we had the best childhood a kid could ever want.” What they instilled in their children – faith, family, work ethic, and fun is reflected in the individuals and parents they are today. J.D. predeceased her in 2018.

Gayle married Paul B. Arms in 1979. They spent many happy years in Jacksonville, Keystone Heights, and St. Augustine enjoying their family, traveling, taking care of their little white dog, Benji and welcoming grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were members of Fruit Cove Baptist Church and attended Unity Sunday School Class. Paul predeceased her in 2013. In 2016, Gayle moved back to Jacksonville to be closer to her children and was a member of Parkwood Church.

Gayle always had time for her family. She loved to have family gatherings, sew and embroider, cook, bake, and garden but the thing that brought her the most love and pleasure was being a “Nana”. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s school and sports activities, going on vacations together, and giving the tightest hugs. Nana played doctor so many times with all her grandchildren that it had to be the inspiration for at least half of them pursuing careers in the medical field. Her legacy lives on through the lessons she imparted and the love she generously gave. She will be dearly missed but the memories will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children and their families - David Boyd (Kathy) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; granddaughter Angela Grove (Michael) of Winter Park, FL; Robert Boyd (Marie); grandsons Austin Boyd and Colin Boyd (Lisette) of Jacksonville, FL; Rebecca Cullen (William) of Jacksonville, FL; granddaughters Cara Humkey (Adam), great grandsons Liam and Forrest of Nahunta, GA and Haley Cullen (Kyle East) of Jacksonville, FL.

She is also survived by stepchildren and their families - Stephen Arms (Cecilia); grandsons Jason Arms (Nancy), great grandchildren Ethan Arms and Briana Arms of Jacksonville, FL; Eric Arms (Erica), great grandchildren Savannah and Wesley of St. Augustine, FL; Ruben Sagastume of Jacksonville, FL; Paula Arms (Russell Funk) of Castle Rock, WA.

She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law, Linda and many wonderful nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Her Brothers predeceased her – Jack Windham (Huberta) and Jeff Windham (Linda) of Jacksonville, FL.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Parkwood Church, 7900 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00AM-11:00AM with the service beginning at 11:00AM. We invite everyone to a reception after the service in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parkwood Baptist Church Capital Improvement Fund, 7900 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211.

Arrangements are under the care of Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St. Johns Bluff Road N., Jacksonville, FL 32225.