Gayle was the daughter of Cleo and William Gilliam who preceded her in death. Gayle was also preceded in death by her partner in life Jack Foster, her beloved sisters-in-law Brenda Legerwood and Peggy Ledgerwood. Gayle is survived by a host of friends, family, church family, her three foster children Hank, Steve, and Matt Conaughton, as well as five God-Children.
Gayle was a proud Kansas City, MO native whose early memories were of how World War II affected her hometown. Gayle graduated from Southwest High School in KCMO and then Central Missouri State College (now University of Central Missouri) where she received a Bachelor of Science in English as well as a Masters Degree in Special Education. Gayle used her education to teach in the KCMO Public School District for thirty-eight years.
Gayle belonged to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, served as a Stephen Minister, lay speaker, participated with the United Methodist Women and was active in missions. She had previously studied, and was a part of, a modern dance team that performed in schools and nursing homes. Led by her faith, Gayle gave of her time and effort to Good Samaritan Project during the AIDS epidemic.
As a deeply spiritual Christian, Gayle loved the lord deeply and strove to emulate God’s unconditional love. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Gayle's Funeral Service will be livestreamed & recorded and my be viewed at: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26102730915278
