Gail Wayne Marcum

Gail Marcum was a woman of incredible faith. Unwavering.

She learned to play piano as a young girl- first on a chalk keyboard! She read music and also played piano by ear, and if you were ever blessed to hear her sing – you were blessed, indeed. Truly glorious. While raising her sons, she earned her Masters degree at University of Memphis with focus in Advertising, Reporting, Writing, Editing, Music, and Law, 1999.

At Holiday Inn she worked with Mr. Kemmons Wilson, founder of Holiday Inn. Gail spent some time as a journalist working in New York. Her love of music led her to being the pianist for churches including Bellevue, Cherokee and Labelle Baptist churches, and First Assembly (where she also taught Forensics/FACS). Gail was a great lover of music, particularly piano and voice. She started several ensembles not only in churches – also in her community, holding all to the highest of standards. Gail had an infectious joy that permeated your heart. When Gail played a piano solo, you knew she was worshipping her Lord… sweeping congregations into waves of heavenly praise!

Gail was multi-talented. She never tackled anything that she wasn’t soon at an expert level. Besides being a musician, she mastered all of these: Journalist. Graphic/Interior Design. Florist. Counselor. In her recent years – stellar painter!

She was an incredibly creative cook that followed recipes as if they were merely suggestions, a chef in the eyes of many! If you knew Gail at all… you know her love of cheese – of all kinds. The largest drawer in her refrigerator was dedicated to no less than a couple dozen kinds of cheese. Always.

She was gregarious, entertaining, vibrant and stunningly beautiful, inside and out. Gail loved fiercely and showed it in her actions over words. She was an encourager, counselor, mentor and an incredibly faithful friend. We are all better people by knowing her and following her example of faith… showing us how to love.

Preceded in death by parents Charles & Wynell Nichols. Survived by her sons Britt Marcum (Lee), Blake Marcum (Julia) and Madeline (granddaughter). Sisters Sandy Stremming (Dennis), Marta Hazelgrove (Ray) and brother Jim Nichols (Beverly).

Celebration of Life: Thursday, April 3rd Visitation 12-2; Service 2, graveside following Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens 3700 N. Germantown Pkwy. Bartlett, TN 38133