Gail Armstrong Gilvin

Born in July of 1936 in Chattanooga, TN, Gail started life in South Pittsburgh, TN, moving to Nashville, TN, and then Griffin, GA where her mother worked making radios for WWII airplanes. Her father, working for Sandoz, then moved the family to High Point, NC.

In 1954 while attending high school Gail was the North Carolina Tennis Champion and also won the North Carolina Ping Pong Championship. Gail went on to Greensboro College where she was an avid ambidextrous golfer and received her degree in drama and literature. Graduating with a teaching certificate, she planned to teach in Ohio after marriage to US Marine, Larry Gilvin from Cincinnati but decided to postpone the wedding and moved to New York City. In 1958 she rode the train 15 hours to New York City and spent her first weeks living at the YWCA. Gail landed a job with Benton and Bowles Advertising and worked for Phil Capice on “From these Roots” who later produced shows like The Waltons, Dallas, and Full House. Gail lived in New York City until February 1960 and returned to High Point for her wedding in April 1960. Gail worked for Proctor and Gamble while living in Cincinnati and Atlanta. Gail touched the lives of many children in Macon as secretary at the Masonic Home of Georgia. Gail retired from J M Huber Clay Division’s Customer Service Manager in 1996 but continued to consult for Export until her 80th birthday in 2016.

Gail is remembered by her family as a dynamic woman who set great examples for her children and grandchildren as she faced the adversity of cancer and the tragic loss of her husband Larry. Gail refused to give up their dream of buying an RV and traveling together with Larry and bought an RV she named “Breeze” taking Larry’s memory with her all across the United States and parts of Mexico. She often traveled with friends and family members in Breeze and became active in the organization “RVing Women”. Gail Gilvin had only two fears: snakes and missing out on any chance to make memories with family and friends. Friends remember her for adventurous spirit, her quick wit, fun nature, and her ready smile. She never met a stranger treating every person she met as a friend. If Gail’s children brought home a stray cat or dog, they inevitably became a family member. Friends of her children were welcomed as family members and might be greeted at the door with a mimosa on special occasions.

Gail was a 49-year member of ESA International in local Alpha Nu #1943 of Georgia State Council. She was a passionate supporter of ESA’s partnership with St. Jude Childrens Hospital selling Vidalia Onions, chairing Radiothons, Telethons, and the first Dream Homes in Central Georgia.

Gail is survived by Children: Virginia Gilvin, James Edgar Gilvin (Mary Anne), and Karen Gilvin Dorton (Todd); Grandchildren: Justin Michael Gilvin (Brianna), Sarah Gail Gilvin, Jared Reece Dorton (Jelena), Matthew Connor Dorton (Rachel); Great Grand Children: Christopher Blake Dorton, William Reece Dorton

Gail was preceded in death by her loving husband Larry Everette Gilvin, her father James Frederick Armstrong, and her mother Nellie Kelly Armstrong.

Honoring Gail’s wishes, the family has chosen cremation. An Irish Wake (Party) will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers Gail has requested donations be made to St. Jude Childrens Hospital.