Ms. Gayle Lowery Harvey

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Gayle Harvey. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Gayle was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

      Gayle was born in Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia. She was the daughter of Graham T. (Joe) and Hazel M. Lowery. Gayle was raised in Martinsville, Virginia and Norfolk, Virginia. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Gayle was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Gayle's personality throughout her life.

      Though Gayle was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Gayle was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Gayle worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Gayle was raised with two siblings. She had two younger sisters, Joyce and Cindy. Gayle and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      For Gayle, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Gayle was also adept at details. Gayle was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Norview High School in 1965. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      College can be a challenge, but Gayle appeared to be well equipped to succeed. She had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around her. Gayle had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Gayle enjoyed using the skills she'd already learned and applying them to new courses. She knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. She attended Villanova for one year before working at C&P Telephone Company.

      There was one thing that all of Gayle's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Gayle was such a popular person throughout her life. But Gayle was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Gayle was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Gayle was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Gayle was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Gayle was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Gayle made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. Later in life, she became friends with Carol Starette, Oscar Whitaker, and Stanley Dorsey.

      Gayle was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Gayle cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On June 1968 the first time, February 1984 the second time, and June 1989 the third time. Gayle married Harold W. McNatt at Granby Church of Christ, and Michael Smith and Robert Harvey in private ceremonies in Norfolk, Virginia. Compassionate and devoted, Gayle worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Gayle and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Gayle was blessed with one child from the first marriage, a son, Harold L. (Buddy) McNatt; she also had custody of her niece, Stephanie M. James. They were also blessed with one granddaughter, Harper James. Gayle was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Gayle was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Gayle would listen before she would act.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Gayle, and she expected the same from those around her. Gayle was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Gayle was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Gayle handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was Directory Assistance for C&P Telephone Company and Bell Atlantic. She was employed for 27 years with C&P Telephone Company and Bell Atlantic. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Gayle enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were Beanie Babies, Lenox Tweety Bird figurines and Van sneakers!

     Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Gayle to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Gayle did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout her later years, Gayle was an active member of the Telelphone Pioneer Workers and PFLAG, Candii House, SPCA of Norfolk.

      Gayle was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. Politically, Patricia was for the best person for the job regardless of the polictical party.

     Her high moral standards and traditional values served Gayle well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member Central Church of Christ. During that time, she was baptized. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      Not only did Gayle enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included a cruise to Bermuda.

      Gayle was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Her favorites were three Minature Schnauzers, Schultz for 10 years, Skully for 6 years, and Sophie for 2 years.

      Since it was easy for Gayle to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Gayle was ready when that day to retire finally came in January 1994 from Bell Atlantic. Her new life involved remaining local. In retirement, she found new pleasure in being a Nanny for three families. Even in retirement, Gayle stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

      Gayle passed away on February 3, 2010 at Sentara Leigh Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia. Congestive heart failure. She is survived by her partner of ten years, Holly L. Pelella; son, Harold L. (Buddy) McNatt; mother, Hazel M. Lowery; two sisters, Joyce L. Ikwild and Cindy Miller; a niece that was like her daughter, Stephanie M. James and a great niece that was like her granddaughter, Harper James; 3 aunts and 3 nephews. Services were held at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Norview Chapel. Gayle will be scattered in Bermuda.

      Gayle was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Gayle was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Gayle Harvey.