Gail was born on September 18, 1947, in Florence, SC, and was a daughter of the late Marvin Douglas Kirby and Pearl Atkinson Kirby. Growing up, she lived in Florence, SC, 2 separate times, as well as Walterboro, SC, and Bishopville, SC. After graduating from Bishopville High School in 1965, she moved to Columbia, SC, to attend and graduate from Palmer Business College. She lived most of her adult life in Columbia, SC, working many years at the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center in Medical Clerical Administration. She also lived in New Orleans, LA, for a short time before returning to Columbia. During her time in New Orleans, she earned a Key to The City for exemplary organizational work for the city.
She was a loving and devoted mother, sister, aunt and great-aunt. She is survived by her son, Henry Ivey West III (April); brother, Robert Clinton Kirby (Gayle); sister, Ann Kirby Lee (Mark); 4 nephews, 1 niece, 2 great-nephews and 4 great-nieces.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jeanette Kirby Jefferson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gail’s name to First Baptist Church, 1306 Hampton St. Columbia, SC, 29201. Although not a member, she viewed their services on Sunday mornings from her living room and loved their ministry.
