Gail Royce Wainwright

Gail was born in Jacksonville, Florida on July 31, 1946, to the late Jessie Capps and Harry Royce, Sr. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Wainwright, her sister Helen Sinclair, her brothers Harry Royce, Jr., David Royce, and Dale Royce (her twin). She is survived by her sister Doris “Peggy” Burton (d. James Burton), sisters-in-law Marjorie Royce, Kathy Royce, Barbara Royce, step-grandchildren Matthew Wainwright and Abigail Wainwright, nieces and nephews Merri Anne Cromartie, Cindy Smith, Julie Crews, Becky Stanley, Susan Andrews, Nancy Johnson, Greg Royce, Jeff Royce, Gary Royce, and Amy Wallace, three step-great grandchildren and many grand and great grand nieces and nephews, all of whom loved her dearly.

During her battle with leukemia, Gail was lovingly cared for by her niece Susan Andrews, sister-in-law Kathy Royce, and many of her nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

Gail grew up on Mills Road and attended Hogan Spring Glen Elementary and Englewood High School. She had a long and successful career with the Duval County Clerk of the Courts. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband Marion and friends and “fun days” with her grand and great grand nieces and nephews. Gail was a shining light with a loving and giving heart. She volunteered at her church and various elementary schools. She was a faithful Christian and showed her love of God throughout her life. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church Jacksonville where she was an active Sunday School member.

Gail loved her family. She will be remembered for many loving acts including carrying on the Royce family tradition of hosting the Christmas Eve gathering after her parents passed. She and Marion would lovingly open their home to host the extended Royce family for a treasured evening of food, games, songs, gifts, a birthday cake for baby Jesus, and the reading and reenactment of the Nativity. She never let her battle with cancer interrupt the family tradition or dampen her joyful spirit. Nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren would dress in costume, the newest child to the family portraying baby Jesus each year. Her kindness and faithful presence made these gatherings all the more joyful and comforting to family members - both new and old.

A visitation will be held Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. officiated by her nephew Rev. Randy Crews. Gail will be interred at the Jacksonville National Cemetery with her husband Marion at a later date.