Gmama was always my go to person for advice, problem solving, or if I just needed to talk, she was always there for me. She has taught me so many life lessons. Every time we were together, I would learn something new. She was the glue of our family. She supports us through thick and thin. She has been there for every important event in my life. She saw me graduate from high school with my class even though I had several health issues that made me stay out of school. When I met and sang with Joe Nichols and Blake Shelton, she was right there with me. Anytime I was sick or injured she helped me through it any way she could. In 2016 I had a celebration of life party to celebrate that I have been ten years stable from my brain tumor she was there and helped me plan the whole event. Here recently she has been the biggest supporter of my cookie adventure. I loved to see her face when she tried my new cookie variations. She helped me to get started, spread the word, and took me to Sams to stock up on supplies. I will miss having her as my biggest cheerleader. There are so many other events that I could list but then this may be a thousand pages long. She has always been right by my side. I was so fortunate to be able to spend so much time with her. I can not believe that she has gained her Angel  wings. I know she is up in heaven having a big party with all our loved ones that has passed before her. Now she has met Jesus and Elvis. I know in my heart she will continue to be here for me and will protect me. I will miss her so much and miss all the plans we made. I love you Gmama



It was amazing having Gmama as a grandmother growing up.  She was like my second mom. Her house was my second home. I was there more than I was at my own house. We did everything together. It didn’t matter what we did it was always fun. We both loved board and card games. We would play for hours on end. Both of us were so competitive with each other. It was always a challenge. She taught me to never play easy so we played our hardest on every game. Most days we would go out to lunch somewhere. Our favorite was Cracker Barrel. Not only did we get to eat but then we got to shop in the gift shop and always had to look in the clearance corner. We loved going shopping together no matter where we went. I even loved going grocery shopping. Every year before I would start back to school Gmama would take me clothes shopping. We would fill a buggy full of clothes then we went to the dressing room. She would sit on the chair or couch, and I would put an outfit on and come out and do a fashion show. It was always an adventure shopping together

I still can’t believe that she is gone, but will never be forgotten. G mama will always be in my memories forever. She was very generous and wonderful person,  I only known her for a short period ,but seems like we known each other forever. We played games together at her house  with Ashley which we all enjoy and sometimes we sat in the front or back porch with papa and she tells me all this nice stories about themselves.
Rip 😭 G mama will always love you.

Our mothers were close friends and my brothers and I and Gailya and her  sisters went for picnics and swimming at Piedmont Park Atlanta. We attended high school,Okeefe,  too. 
Gailya and I reconnected at voting poll where she served in East Cobb.  I joined Entertainers and enjoyed years singing with Gailya and her aunt Shirley. 
I loved the time we have shared in our later life, and getting to know Charlie at the VFW where we practiced.  Sweet memories.
RubyeAnn 

Heaven has gained an Angel!  And this special Angel, Gailya Stephenson, has now met The Lord Jesus Christ face-to-face, is walking the Streets of Gold, and has reunited with those who enjoyed their Heavenly Journey preceding Gailya’s Heavenly arrival.  What a glorious reunion!  

Our prayers, thoughts and sincerest sympathies are with Gailya’s family as they continue to travel their respective Earthly Journeys … remembering their special loved one and all that she meant to them.   May all the sweet memories and good times gathered and celebrated over Gailya’s lifetime now be a “celebration of her life” bringing each one of them immense peace and comfort.  

~ Martha and Bert Van Nouhuys
    December 5, 2021


 



Aunt Gail was a bright light whenever I saw her. My mom (her sister Audrey) were always involved in entertaining. I remember the many Summerour reunions where they always put on a skit and dressed me and Rhetta in ridiculous outfits!  We hated it at the time but I look back on those times as treasured memories.  I am sure Aunt Gail is singing in Heaven and shining her light. We will surely miss her but know we will see her again. Love and comfort to the family!!
Kelly Callahan Smiddy


Well Sis there is no way to put 79 years of memories into words. I was 6 years old when you were born. The day you were brought home from the hospital that was the beginning of our friendship and our close sister bond. Sadly we lost both of our sisters and both of our Charlie’s. How neat was it that we both married incredible men with the same name. I loved our special “sister” time. I loved going shopping, watching old movies, playing games, and reminiscing about the good old times. I will treasure my Sister T-shirt you gave me. Thank you for starting our “Red Truck Challenge”. I loved trying to outdo one another. I hope you will see the red truck flower arrangement that an amazing flower lady is making for you. This will declare you the winner! I know you are now reunited with your Charlie and all of our loved ones who has passed before you. Please give my Charlie a big hug. I can’t believe I have lost my last sister.  I know one day there will be the biggest family reunion you can imagine. I know you will be in Heaven watching out for the rest of us here. Just know how much I love you and will miss you. ❤️

It is so hard to believe this has happened.
Gailyea was a sweet and precious friend!
We had only known each other for a year but we fell in love with her and Charlie.  I would take him strawberries this summer and sit on the porch with him and Gailyea.  They told me stories of them dancing and Charlie would sing his favorite songs!  You knew they were still sweethearts!  It’s hard to look across the street at their house and see all of Gailyea’s yard art.
We will miss them both but it’s a comfort to know they are together now.  Heaven gained two sweet angels❤️

Mama, you are such a special lady to all of us! ❤️  You are such  a ray of sunshine , that spread so much joy  wherever you went. I will miss all the fun times we shared between playing games, shopping, bingo and just sharing conversation. You have always been there in good times and bad and I thank you for everything! I know you will continue to look over us and protect us but I will miss you dearly! I love you Mama to the moon and back! I can only image the celebration that’s happening in Heaven with you and Papa and all the loved ones that went before you! I know you and Papa are dancing again,  all over Heaven! This is not goodbye ,  it’s see you later! I love you bunches!❤️

Gailya was the person that recruited me into the Marietta VFW post 2681. In fact I think she and Charlie were the recruiting king and queen. She loved working on behalf of all veterans everywhere. I felt like she knew all members by name from state positions on down. She always made everyone feel welcome  with her knowledge and friendly personality. Let’s not forget that laugh you could always recognize as hers only. 

OBITUARY

Gailya S. Stephenson

January 20, 1942 – November 23, 2021

H.M. Patterson & Son-Canton Hill Chapel

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