Bess Stuckey Gayle

Columbia, South Carolina - Bess Stuckey Gayle, age 91, died quietly at her home on April 15, 2025. She had been under Hospice care after several months of failing health. Born on July 11,1933 in Columbia, SC, she was the daughter of the late Hazel Olin Stuckey, Sr and Bessie Mae Branscom Stuckey. She attended local public schools and graduated from Dreher High School in 1951. She attended Coker College in Hartsville, SC. In 1954 she married Charles Norwood Gayle, Jr and raised their family in Columbia, SC.

Our mother was a Christian, an amazing person and passionate about life. One of her favorite songs was ‘Forever Young’ by Bob Dylan. As a good friend of the family put it…she was always so elegant. In the early years, she and our dad loved working in the yard. They both loved spending time with friends and going on trips. She was a life-long member of the Episcopal Church. For years she volunteered her time serving on various committees within the church including the Episcopal Cursillo Ministry. She was a strong supporter of and volunteered her time with Meals on Wheels. She was extremely independent her entire life, except for the last 12 months.

We are extremely grateful to the staff of Heart of Hospice and the care givers from Cornerstone Caregiving. They are all true professionals and cared for our mother with the highest degree of compassion.

Bess is survived by her four children, Lisa Allison Gayle of Columbia, SC, Virginia Elizabeth “Ginny” Gayle Boltin of Piedmont, SC, Charles Norwood Gayle, III of Rockland, Maine, and David Stuckey Gayle (Ann Marie) of Prosperity, SC. She enjoyed spending time with her 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Bess was preceded in death by her husband Charles Norwood Gayle, Jr, her brother Hazel Olin Stuckey, Jr, and her sisters Virginia Mae Beets Trent and Mary Elizabeth Beets Hunt.

A private graveside service for family will be held on May 5th, 2025 at 11 am at Greenlawn Cemetery in Columbia, SC.

It is suggested that contributions in her honor be made to Camp Gravatt, 1006 Camp Gravatt Rd, Aiken, SC 29805.