Over the last 10 years, Gayle and I spent a large part of one day together each year painting a watercolor at Callaway Gardens in Georgia.  We toiled and stressed and fretted over our paintings.  We also laughed a lot and had a real sense of satisfaction when we were done.  I always looked forward to that day each year, not just because I got to be an artist for a day, but because I really enjoyed the camaraderie with Gayle.  Our teacher, Brenda Stevens, said we were her favorite students over the years.  I loved Gayle's upbeat and positive energy.  I sure will miss her next week and in future years when I am painting my watercolors.  Gayle was a special lady, and I hope her family and friends find some comfort in remembering special and everyday times with her.

I worked and shared an office with Gayle.  She was a trusted friend and colleague.  Her heart was bigger than her size could possibly demonstrate.  Gayle was one of those people who comes into your life and you never forget.  She cared very deeply about her family and would often speak of her daughters and how proud she was of all of you.  I hope that you can still feel her presence around you each day and that you can trust she is in a better place.  My heart goes out to all of you.  
You are all in my thoughts.

As I sit here in disbelief and heartbreak, my mind races with images of Gayle as a teenager, young woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister and dear friend to me and many others. So many years and memories. Our friendship started as teenagers and we were as goofy as they come. We passed notes in the hall and used aliases just in case they were confiscated (pre-texting!). She liked to camp with her family at the lakes and one time fell asleep on the dock and was sunburned all down her back and legs. When she turned around, she was as pale as a ghost. We laughed as we walked on the "Avenue" and people gave her second looks. 

My heart goes out to her family and friends. I will miss her so much. Forever.

Our family's love for Gayle will last forever. Her love of family,children and friends will be remembered forever.  She was our sweet friend and we miss her so. And because we knew her, we have been changed for good. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim,Jeana,Jaimee and Justine and all of her family. May God surround you with his love and understanding.

Dear Jim and Family,
I am still in shock over the untimely death of Gayle. It was difficult for me to comprehend that someone with so much life to live is gone. I always looked forward to our lunch dates when Sharon and I would drive to the Gardens Mall to meet Gayle and catch up on family and school matters.  The last time Sharon and I met Gayle was in the summer. She shared pictures of your daughter's wedding.  Gayle looked so beautiful and happy.  She was a very proud Mom of all of her children.  
 I had the pleasure of teaching with Gayle at Lincoln Elementary.  Our friendship continued until her untimely death.  I will miss her greatly especially her simle and laughter.  She was an awesome lady with a host of great experiences throughout her life.  She was never afraid to undertake any task or complain that it was too difficult to beat.
My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you, and your family at this most difficult time.  I know God is with you .
 Gayle was one in a million.  I will miss her terribly.  
Love 
Joanne Kutney

Dear Jim and Girls,
   My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most trying time. Although Gayle and I didn't get to see each other a lot, we were always close in our hearts and minds. She was an incredible woman, and I loved her dearly. I will miss her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. May you gain comfort in knowing that she touched everyone she ever came in contact with. She will be sorely missed!

Gayle was a wonderful wife and mother to me and our three children. She had a unique ability to start each day fresh without carrying over the hurts from the day before. She was the one who was most outgoing in our family and was involved in many outside the home activities. She completed the Master Gardener program with Gene Joyner in Palm beach County and our yards showed the results. She was also Regional Director of the Palms Region for Odyssey of the Mind keeping that program alive and healthy for more than ten years. She was a certified Water Safety Instructor and taught children to swim in both Palm beach and St Lucie Counties. And she rode in Bike marathons to support MS. She played in a tennis league for awhile as well. For the past few years she was up at 4:15 AM to get to Gold's gym when it opened at 5:00. She'd work out for an hour, come home and shower and be off to school. Weather permitting she'd be out on her bike with a group of cyclists from Sprockets in PSL, and Saturday and Sunday Mornings she'd do rides from 65 to 90 miles with her buddies Horace, Tom and Jose. We are all saddened by her untimely passing. She brightened the world she lived in. We miss her terribly :(

Gayle will be missed ... watching her over the years through her involvement Odyssey of the Mind showed how much she love kids and wanted nothing but the best for them.

My heart goes out to Jim and his family. I will always remember the Friday nights you spent at Frank & Al's sitting at the bar with your pizza, wings & Yuenglings! It was such an honor to get to know such a wonderful lady. She will be missed.

We love you all so much.  Dave, Karen, David, Samuel, & Aaron Day.

Todd and I are genuinely sorry for your family's loss. In this incomprehensible time, I hope our families' friendship will help. A woman who obviously loved so deeply and lived so richly will be missed by us all. Grieve less, laugh more and consume chocolate - as only people who so completely love us would want us to.

Gayle was a great influence on me as a child. My sisters and I always enjoyed her special kind of craziness. We'll miss you, Gayle. I am very sorry I did not get to spend much time with you as an adult, but will always think of you whenever I am riding.

Jim, Jeana, Jaimee and Justine,  We were so shocked and saddened by the loss of Gayle.  We're sorry that we can't be there in person, but we're keeping you in our thoughts, and we're treasuring our memories of Gayle.   Jennifer and Rene de Pree (Almere, The Netherlands)

The Rogus family is very sorry for your loss.  Your Mother was a beautiful individual inside and out. In this absolutely tragic time, may you find peace in focusing on the positive times and wonderful family memories you have together.  We wish you strength to get through this difficult time and know we are here for you.  WE LOVE YOU, Tyler, Karry, Avery & Will

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. Our thoughts and prayers are with you 

 The Grimms

Gayle leaving us this suddenly has affected me deeply. I confess that I don't get it. 
Gayle was as alive as a person can be and used her time here on Earth as well as it could be used. Gayle, I will miss you on our rides but you'll be there. Even today I heard you laughing at me when I was complaining about not being able to keep up with the faster riders.

Go with God and ride with a tailwind for eternity. I will miss you.

Jim, Jeana, Jaimee, and Justine, our hearts go out to you. Gayle will be sorely missed. I know she loved you all.

Dear Jim and girls,
It saddens me that I can't be with you but know I'm there in spirit and y'all are in my prayers !  
With love, your cousin, Kit Kolflat

I have many fond memories of Gayle as her family and my family grew up together when we lived close to each other in Sioux City, Iowa. Our Mothers were sisters and we had all girls in both families. Later in life Gayle ended up in Florida and I ended up in California so we did not get to see each other very often, but always remained in touch and cherised the time we had together. Gayle will be missed greatly. (Cousine Diane Nelson)

Our family is shocked by the loss of such a lovely woman.  She touched my daughter Catey in so many ways and she will be missed by everyone.  My sympathies to her family at this difficult time.
Carla Wooten
(Parent of one of her students)

Gayle was one of the most vividly alive people I have known. She will be missed often and in many ways. (Isaiah 40:31)

My prayers and sympathy are with you all.I worked with Gayle at Bayshore and felt really close to her. What a wonderful person. She will be missed by all.

Gayle and I spent many happy hours riding our bikes on Bridle Lane (unpaved at the time) and Trailwood when she lived on Bridle Lane.  We solved many of the world's problems during these rides.

She will be remembered for her wit, kindness, and intelligence.

"The teacher left her wisdom in the minds of young children, and did her best to give them all a good start.."
"It's not what you take with you when you leave this world behind, it's what you leave behind that matters when you go.." (excerpts from "Three Wooden Crosses", by Randy Travis..)

OBITUARY

Gayle L. Mamer

October 17, 1947 – January 10, 2011

Aycock Funeral Home

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