Gayle Dianne Barr

Gayle was educated in Duval County Public School system. She is a proud distinguished alumni of William M. Raines class of 1974. As a young lady she studied business at Florida Community College of Jacksonville. She later acknowledged and accepted her call to minister to those with wounds of the soul and pursued a degree in Christian Counseling at Liberty University.

Gayle was raised in the fear and admonition of God because her father was a pastor. However, she surrendered her life to Jesus Christ one night over forty years ago at Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ. She had an encounter with God that forever changed the trajectory of her life. She became a God chaser. She was groomed in Holiness by the late Bishop Calvin D. Kinsey, Sr. of the Central Florida Third Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. She was groomed in faith by Bishop Vaughn Monroe McLaughlin at The Potter’s House International Ministries. She served in various capacities but was most fond of serving the youth and in the beautification of events.

Gayle was primed in charm and elegance at an early age by her mother. Although shy, she had a love for people, high fashion, socializing and entertaining. She had a heightened discernment and was drawn to the rejected, abandoned and abused. Avid to detail she had innate customer service skills. She worked in various departments for BellSouth for over two decades. Inspired by the faith and leadership of her Bishop and friend she later took a leap of faith as an entrepreneur and founded Elegant Events, LLC. She had an impeccable eye for décor and made every gathering an Elegant Event. Beginning 2002, Gayle was hired by the International Church of God in Christ as traveling staff for all national conventions under the leadership of her Goddaughter Vicki, Director of COGIC Housing & Convention Services, serving in the administration of the late Presiding Bishop G.E. Patterson. There, Gayle’s leadership roles afforded her interactions with global theologians, award-winning music artists, and attendees of up to 75,000. Many lasting relationships were formed and cherished.

The Lord later led her to Celebration Church where she served on the Care Ministry Team as the Care Ministry Administrator under the leadership of Pastor Stoval Weems.

Gayle is the epitome of the Hebrew meaning of her name “my father is joy.” She brought joy to all those she encountered. She was preceded in death by her father Rev. Jason Barr, Sr., mother, Anne Reese Barr, brothers, Pastor Jason Barr, Jr., Craig Barr, Bryan Barr, Jace Barr and nephew Joshua Christian Barr.

Her life and legacy will forever be cherished and remembered by her nephew Jason Barr, III; Sister-in-Love Kimberly Yvette Barr; Goddaughters: Vicki Marie Johnson, Tresonda LaRalle (Averrell) Thompson, Tori Díor (Darrell) Scott, and Arlecia O’Sheala Granger; Godson: Dominick Rhodes; Adopted Family: Iana, Ilan, and Ethan Clarke; Godparents Elder Ronald (Martha) Shider, Sr.; Spiritual Children Artesha (Baron) Toliver, and Harry (Shaundra) Coxsome, Jr. A host of God-grandchildren, Cousins and Beloved Friends.

A celebration of life for Gayle will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Barr family.