Florence Gayle Higgins

She was born on October 5, 1956, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Dr. Sterling Roylance Provost and Florence Beverly Smith Provost.Gayle’s childhood was full of adventure, curiosity, and cherished family memories. Her family lived in several places during her youth, including her favorite—Laie, Hawaii—where her father served as Mayor. She often spoke fondly of her time on the island and the deep sense of community that shaped her early years.

She met her eternal companion, Peter Lynn Higgins, while attending Cottonwood High School. Both tall in stature, they joked that their heads bobbed above the crowd, making it easy for them to spot each other—and eventually fall in love. Gayle attended Brigham Young University for a time before she and Peter were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on November 3, 1975.

Gayle’s most noble and joyful calling was being a mother to her four strong-willed and beloved children: Barbara, Patrick, Michael, and Jessica. She poured her entire heart into raising them—serving in the PTA, cheering from the sidelines as a soccer and basketball mom, and offering constant love, guidance, and support.

In her later years, she embraced the name “GG” (Grandma Gayle), delighting in the lives of her five treasured grandchildren: Jackson Peter, Crew Michael, Jane Posey, Abigail Rose, and John Michael. Her joy in being their grandmother was immeasurable.

Gayle had a profound love of service and never stopped finding ways to give. She mentored English learners from around the world, volunteered at the South Jordan Police Department, and served as a Sentinel for the Heritage Foundation. Even when health challenges left her virtually homebound for the last thirteen years of her life, she continued to serve remotely—offering acts of kindness, encouragement, and quiet support to family, friends, and neighbors.

Her life was deeply rooted in her faith. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gayle served faithfully in various auxiliaries and treasured her time as a volunteer at the Jordan River Temple. She had an unwavering testimony of the restored Gospel and a close, personal relationship with her Heavenly Father and her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith carried her through life’s trials and was the foundation of her strength, compassion, and hope.

After a short illness with cancer, Gayle passed away peacefully. She was deeply grateful for her longtime physicians and nurses, whose compassionate care and support sustained her through many years of chronic illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, whom she was eager to be reunited with.

She is survived by her loving husband, Peter; her children Barbara, Patrick (Ashley), Michael (Kimberly), and Jessica; her grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and light.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025 at 11:00 am at the South Jordan 4th Ward Chapel, 2550 W. 9800 S. South Jordan, UT. A short visitation with the family in her honor will be held prior to the funeral service from 10:00-10:45 am. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park South Valley, 13001 S. 3600 W., Riverton, UT.

Livestream available: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25072142833606

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the animal charity of their choice or the Church Humanitarian Fund, in honor of Gayle’s lifelong love of service and animals.

Gayle’s legacy is one of faith, devotion, resilience, and deep love. She will be missed more than words can express—but we take comfort in knowing she is now joyfully and actively serving on the other side of the veil. Gayle was also blessed to be considered an honorary mom and grandma to many she adored, and she embraced those relationships with the same unconditional love, encouragement, and warmth that defined her life.