Gayle Rae Gowdey Williams, 85, of Country Place in Axton, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024 following a valiant battle with a rare, neurological disease. She was born on May 12, 1939 in Kansas City, Missouri to the late Gerald Raymond and Verna Leachman Gowdey. She was also preceded in death by her infant brother, Gerald Raymond Gowdey, Jr.
Gayle was a 1957 graduate of Douglas Southall Freeman High School in Richmond and a 1961 graduate of Westhampton College of the University of Richmond. Following a career as a school teacher in the Richmond school system, and as a business manager in the lodging industry, she moved to Martinsville in 1964 and thereafter performed yeoman service as a parent and homemaker to her husband and loving family. Gayle was a past member of the public service organization PEO, a member of First Baptist Church, and supported many ministries and charitable organizations.
She was a loving and proud wife, mother, and grandmother; an avid supporter of her husband's legal career; a hard worker; impeccable homemaker; world traveler; a resolute and determined prayer warrior; the best listener; and unbelievably selfless. She truly lived a Christ-centered life.
She was stylish, quietly elegant and graceful.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 63 years, Ebb H. Williams, III of the home; son, Kevin Williams and daughter-in-law, MaryAnn McCarthy of Nashville, Tennessee; her daughter, Christa Williams Stultz and son-in-law, Eric of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; her granddaughter, Kathryn Williams of Nashville, Tennessee; her special friend of over a half-century, Rebecca Burnett; and many beloved friends and family.
Donations may be made in Gayle's memory to: Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, Gideons Bible Ministries; Teamwork Ministries; First Baptist Church of Martinsville; Westhampton College of the University of Richmond or any organization that you feel was important to Gayle.
A visitation will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Martinsville with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.
Mckee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville is respectfully serving the Williams family.
