Gail Hutchinson Knox

If you knew Gail Hutchinson Knox, then you knew her laugh. Gail passed after a full 88 years here on the earth. Proud to have been born in Carthage, Maine with 14 brothers and sisters, she would travel back whenever she could to attend the family reunion which was a full day of food, talent show, and then the much-anticipated dance where everyone would dance with whomever would share the dance floor in a favorite song. She continued her love of dance until she passed on January 4, 2025, often using it as a tool to recover from any recent bout of illness she was bouncing back from.

Gail grew up in Maine and attended nursing school there when she met her husband, John. With John, she had three girls: Catherine Marie White married to Allan White and children Anna, Jeremy and Alexis; Cynthia Knox Haas with son Dylan and stepdaughter Gretchen; and Caren Suzanne Knox with children Evan and Seth. When she passed, Gail was a great-great-grandmother, a tribute to her zest for life and strong fighting spirit. She will be missed by her great-grandchildren Josh with daughter Mailynn, TJ, Trianna, Jeremiah, Miranda, and Dakota. Many years of love were shared with her long-time boyfriend Gene. Gail met Gene while out dancing, and they continued their dance together for over forty years, often helping each other in times of ill health or with house projects. There is no doubt he will be one of the first in line to welcome Gail into heaven where they will be eternally united.

Gail used her nursing degree to be a licensed practical nurse at Huntersville Hospital for many years. She also used her nursing skills as a phlebotomist, as a dietary counselor, and then finally as a nurse at Huntersville Oaks nursing home. Even though long-time retired, Gail found new purpose for her nurse experience as she checked in on and advocated for her neighbors during her brief stay at Trinity Village nursing home.

Gail always made clear her likes and dislikes. Up until just a few years ago, Gail enjoyed working outside to maintain her own property by mowing her own grass, cutting limbs and dragging them to the curb, and watering her always-beautiful flowers scattered throughout the yard. She was a best friend to the neighborhood deer as she fed them every night, sometimes gathering up to 10 deer at one time. She would often engage in a full-on conversation with the multitude of birds which came to eat at her bird feeder, often filled twice a day. And yes, they would sing back. She loved many a pet in her life, and she cared for them as if they were her children. Her house was always immaculate, and she enjoyed redecorating, cooking her own meals, and canning. Due to failing eyesight, Gail was faithful in watching and listening to church televised, singing along with familiar hymns.

Gail was fiercely independent. A small example is when she learned that she had a progressively blinding eye condition called macular degeneration. Even though initially she was fully sighted, she immediately began to do the chores around her house with her eyes closed so that she could learn how to better organize things to function blindly: counting steps, reorganizing shelves and drawers, and even weeding and watering her beloved flower gardens.

But Gail’s favorite activity was laughing. While visiting with family, and especially her brothers and sisters, Gail would laugh telling stories and giving each other a playful hard time. America’s Funniest Videos was always a favorite, as was a funny social media video or joke shared with her by her children or siblings. She frequently began calls to her relatives with “Guess what I just did?” as they laughed and laughed over her latest antics or mishaps. Her humor was what got her through some trying times throughout life, and she passed this gift on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gail leaves behind a legacy of laughter, compassion, unconditional love, forgiveness, and a comeback history which rivals the Energizer bunny. Gail passed peacefully and comfortably with family by her side.

A reception in her honor will be held at Hickory Funeral Home on January 19th, 2025 from 2-4pm . In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Safe Harbor of Hickory, NC, a Christ-centered community for women to rebuild, renew and recover. https://safeharbornc.org/