Marshall Gail Chastain went to be with Jesus at 1:45 am on Monday, September 6. Awaiting her in heaven was the love of her life, John W. Chastain, her parents John & Mattie Daniel and above all her Lord and Savior.
Gail is survived by her children, James Chastain, Jeri Chastain, Doug & his wife Michele Chastain; her grandchildren Tommy Bradley, Josh Taylor & his wife Emily, and Nathan Atkinson. She adored her seven great-grandchildren Anna, Aiden, David, Johnathan, Naomi, Lilliana and Madi.
Gail was born and raised in Fairfield, Alabama where she met a motorcycle-riding greaser of whom her parents did not approve. Their love was so strong that they married in secret so 'Granddaddy John" and "Mimi" would not know. Mimi found a love note that John's brother was passing between John and Gail addressed to "My Dear Wife" and things got serious. Mimi reluctantly accepted their marriage and she and John developed a very close relationship.
John had enlisted and now took his young wife along for a long military career. For much of the next 20 years, Gail raised the kids at home while John sailed the world in the U.S. Navy.
They didn't have much money starting out, but they did have love. Gail told of their early date nights which included slicing a snickers bar in pieces to share. From those humble beginnings their love grew. Her children never heard them argue and they set a shining example of selfless love.
Gail and John settled in Jacksonville Florida, eventually buying land in Middleburg. Gail was a strong Christian and a well-respected member of Russell Baptist Church. Gail showed the love of Jesus to all that she met. She served quietly, never one to seek attention but committed to serving Christ and spreading his love by example.
Gail never stopped working. Until her kids were in high school she worked as a stay-at-home mom. For over two decades, she owned Country Flowers, a top floral shop in Middleburg. John served as her "delivery boy". Gail sold her floral business in 1999 and John went to be with the Lord 5 months later.
Gail's "retirement" from running her business was working for VyStar Credit Union. Even when she left VyStar, she stayed busy in church groups and visiting nursing homes. She was a long-time member of Russell Baptist Church.
In 2020 when Covid lockdowns began, she complained that nursing homes would not let her in to visit the elderly – something she'd done to help bring love, laughter, and the Lord into the lives of those who's health didn't allow for them to be out and about.
Gail was a loving Mother and Grandma but really shined as she welcomed her 7 great-grandchildren into her home. She adored them all. "GG" smothered each of them with love and kisses and bragged about them all to anyone that would listen.
Anyone who knew Gail knew what an example of true Christian love was. She prayed daily that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would each know Jesus Christ as their personal savior, right up until the end when she went to be with Him.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com for the Chastain family.
