Gail Churchwell

Judith “Gail” (Rhodes) Churchwell was born on July 22nd, 1944 in Bryan, Texas to James O. Rhodes and Alma (Wiese) Rhodes. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1962 where she developed a love of learning that would remain with her for life.

Gail met the love of her life, Johnny Churchwell, at a dance in Gay Hill, TX in the fall of 1964. They married three months later, in January 1965. Together, they had four children – Audra Layne, John Lee, James Alan and Brandy Lynn. Gail loved her family – and her family loved her. She was a mom, a friend, a teacher and the wisest of counsel to many who knew her.

Gail was an entrepreneur. She operated Grimes County Abstract in Navasota, Texas until the late 1990’s, when she and Johnny thought they were ready to retire. However, six months later, they decided that they had more still to accomplish. They relocated to Belton, Texas where they established Central Texas Turf. In 2009 they, again, decided to retire (for real this time!), sold the business and relocated back home to Bryan.

The last 10 years of her life were anything but easy. Alzheimer’s robbed her of most of her memory, but it could not take her faith. When her words did not come easily, her prayer did. She was selfless, often offering prayer to others before herself. No matter how bad her day was, she would say there were others hurting worse.

To the world, she was Gail Churchwell; to her family, she was the world.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James Otho Rhodes and Alma Wiese Rhodes and a brother, Howard Rhodes.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Johnny Churchwell; two daughters, Audra Carrell and husband Robbie of Holland, TX, Brandy Douglass and husband Noble of Bryan, TX; two sons, John Churchwell and wife Rebecca of Caldwell, TX and James Churchwell and wife Stephanie of Holland, TX; two sisters, Jeanne Pendery of Paradise, CA, Debbie Evans and husband Doyle of College Station, TX; two brothers, James Rhodes and wife Shirley of Bedias, TX and Albert Rhodes and wife Carol of Kurten, TX. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 9:00 am followed by service at 10:00 am at Zion Church of Kurten, 977 FM 2038, Kurten, Texas 77808. Interment will follow at Kurten Cemetery.