Audrey Gayle Keeter Toland

Gayle Keeter Toland, 92, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 at Methodist Hospital Germantown. Gayle was born to John and Leo Keeter in Comanche, Texas on July 15th, 1925. She grew up in the town of Throckmorton, Texas, one of eight children. Out of her siblings, five of her six brothers served in World War II. One of Gayle’s favorite memories growing up was saving sugar coupons with her mother so they could send 1000 cookies they baked to men serving overseas during holidays.

Gayle graduated from Throckmorton High School and Hardin-Simmons University. She received her Masters of Religious Education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. After graduation, Gayle worked as a teacher for the Buckner Children’s Home of Dallas. In 1950, she married Drexel Toland and they had three children, Richard, Angie, and Sharon. In 1954, they moved to Memphis, which she would call home for her remaining years.

Gayle was a member of Bellevue Baptist Church for 64 years. She served in various ministries within the church including serving as Sunday School Director for the student ministry and Women’s Ministry Director. Gayle was also one of the 16-members of the Pastor Search Committee that recommended Dr. Adrian Rogers as Pastor to Bellevue in 1972. Bellevue always held a special place in her heart, and she was always quick to tell others about what the church meant to her own spiritual growth, as well as the spiritual growth of her children.

Gayle also loved to travel and share about her times in Europe, the Holy Land, and even her around-the-world-trip in 1968. Although well-traveled, her favorite trips were always to Hawaii to see her daughter and grandchildren. Gayle taught piano for 35 years and was active in various clubs including the Whitehaven Garden Club, the Kennedy Book Club, and Coterie. She was also a member of The Cheerios, founded by Mrs. Robert G. Lee, which includes 12 friends who meet monthly to share life and encourage one another. Her lifelong love for the arts was also evident to everyone who knew her. For years she served as an Usher at the Germantown Performing Arts Center where she was known for her joyous welcome and contagious smile.

In Gayle’s later years, she moved into The Village at Germantown, where she was one of the original residents. She was active there serving on the Welcome Committee, the Community Life Committee, the Choir, and the Residents Council Board. She loved her life, friends, and staff at The Village whom she (without a doubt ) considered as part of her family.

Gayle was a cancer survivor and loved to fully celebrate each day she was given. She once was quoted as giving advice to “Love God, Love Family, and Love People” which was a true testament to who she was as a person and a reflection of how she lived her life. Gayle was blessed with the gift of hospitality and known for her entertaining. She loved welcoming guests into her home with a homemade sweet and a freshly made arrangement of her roses. She loved deeply, and it was felt far and wide between her friends and family.

Gayle was predeceased by her parents, her brothers, John Keeter Jr., Charles Keeter, Hilton Keeter, Neil Keeter, Marty Keeter, and one sister, Virginia Keeter Haynes. She leaves one brother, Guy (Jo Anne) Keeter of Dallas, and her three children, Richard (Linda) Toland of Memphis, Angelyn (Richard) Martin of Dallas, and Sharon Halford of Honolulu. Gayle was the proud Mammaw to seven grandchildren Lindsey (Ian) Alexander, Zan (Meaghan) Halford, Sydney (Ben) Meeks, Drew (Mary Beth) Toland, Sarah Halford, Reyn Halford, and Wesley (Eli) Hatcher. She recently became a “GiGi" to great-grandsons, Luke Halford and Lincoln Meeks. In addition, she leaves 17 nephews and nieces.

Services will be held Saturday, February 17th at Bellevue Baptist Pollard Chapel. Visitation is from 9:30-11:00 with service to follow. Graveside will proceed the service at Memorial Garden, 3700 N. Germantown Road. Memorials can be made to Bellevue Baptist Church Music Ministry.

Gayle said it best herself, “May I always know the joy of the Lord is my strength forever and ever until the day of my Homecoming.” Although we will miss her, we rejoice in knowing that Gayle is finally Home.