Our loving mother, Ruby LaNelle Gay, stepped into Heaven on Monday, December 15, 2025. Lanelle was born in Ripley, TN. She married the love of her life Milton Gay on February 8, 1949. They made their home in Memphis, TN.
Lanelle attended the University of Memphis and later she became the CPS Secretary to the Director of Libraries at the University of Memphis. She retired after 30 years.
On retirement, she enjoyed gardening and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lanelle was a long-time member of Leawood Baptist Church. She served her Lord as a teacher and choir member for many years. She was married for 52 years. Her husband Milton passed in 2001.
Lanelle is survived by her two daughters Joy Robertson (Larry) of Cordova, TN, Joan Osteen of Memphis, TN and a son Timothy Gay (Dawn) of Covington, TN; Grandchildren Scott Robertson (Melanie) of Rossville, TN, Patrick Osteen of Oakland, TN, and Matthew Gay of Covington, TN, Amanda Warren of Munford, TN; Great-grandchildren Avery Robertson of Rossville, TN, Teigan Osteen of Oakland, TN, Camryn Allen of Munford, TN, Kennedi Allen of Munford, TN.
She was preceded in death by her mother Lillie Ray and father Charles Ray.
“Her children arise up, and call her blessed…” Proverbs 31:28 KJV
Services for LaNelle will be held at Family Funeral Care, located at 4925 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38122.
A visitation will be held on December 22, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm with a Celebration of Life beginning at 2:00 pm.
Burial will be at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Memphis, TN.
Memorial contributions can be made to Leawood Baptist Church, Union Mission, and The Gideons International.
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
-Philippians 1:21 KJV
