Maryfield.
Gailya was born in Mt. Sylvan, TX October 29, 1930 a daughter of the late John Terrell Reese
and Rosa Lavada Kidd Reese. She was a 1952 graduate of Southern Methodist University,
where she double-majored in elementary education and drama. While at SMU, Gailya was a
majorette and eventually served as the school’s first female Drum Major. After graduation,
Gailya began a 15 yr career in elementary education, where she was noted for helping children
often categorized different to feel accepted and loved. After relocating to Connecticut, she
began a 37 year career with Mary Kay cosmetics, rising to be an Executive Senior Sales
Director. She was known for her passion and ability motivate young sales executives to achieve
their best.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, James F. Miazza III; four children, James F. Miazza
IV (Claire), Gailya Ann Woodyard (Tom), Lydia Miazza and Gloria Brown (Jack); eight
grandchildren, T.J. Woodyard (Kelly), Genna Woodyard, James Miazza V, Cecilia Woodyard,
Michael Miazza, Blake Woodyard, Tyler Brown and Malina Brown; one great-granddaughter,
Luna Capri Woodyard.
A Celebration of Gailya's life will be held Monday, March 21, 2022 at 11 a.m. in the Sechrest-
Davis Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Floral Garden Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, www.bcrf.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at
www.sechrestdavisphillipsavenue.com for the Miazza family.
