Gayle Smith
Gayle Williams Smith, formerly of Obion, died peacefully on Nov. 29, 2023, at her home in Napa, Calif., at the age of 84.
Gayle was surrounded by her husband, Frank; children, Kevin (Christie Cooksey), Joy (Richard Beard) and Kim (William Bradbury); and grandchildren, Joy Elise Bradbury, Grace Bradbury, Greyson Grubb-Smith and Koa Cooksey-Smith.
Gayle grew up in Obion along with her brothers, John Burhl Williams and Sam Williams. During her years in Tennessee, she played high school basketball, was elected speaker of the house for the TN 4-H Congress and graduated from the University of Tennessee. After leaving Tennessee, she moved with her new husband to a small university apartment in NYC. Quite a culture shock for two kids from Tennessee! She and Frank next moved to Ridgewood, N.J. There, they restored a 100-year-old home and created an extensive garden property full of hybrid daylilies and roses.
While raising the children, she also earned two master’s degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University — one in special education and one in teaching reading.
Her professional passion was teaching children to love to read. She taught elementary special education for over 25 years. Many of her students went on to graduate college and often returned to visit.
Upon retirement, she and Frank eventually moved to join their children on the west coast, settling into a beautiful home in Napa. Here she was able to teach her grandchildren how to cook and sew, as well as grow her beautiful roses. In her spare time, she volunteered as a Master Gardener.
She was predeceased by her father, John F. Williams, and mother, Thelma P. Williams, of Obion. She will be greatly missed by us all.
There will be a celebration of life at her home in Napa on Jan. 21, 2024. Friends and family are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the 4-H Foundation of TN.
Published in The Messenger on 12.13.23