Gail Carmical

Gail, humble disciple of Jesus Christ and servant of others: beloved mother, Grammy, sister, daughter, and friend, was born in Detroit, Michigan, but came to Texas as fast as she could – an infant. She grew up in Mesquite, TX (Go, Skeeters!) and later graduated Draughon’s Business School in Dallas, where she met her husband of more than 25 years, Fred L. Carmical, Jr. Her lifelong friend, Margie McGill, entered her life about this time; they were still friends at the time of Gail’s sudden passing to glory.

Serving as an administrative assistant at Marco Metals in Dallas during her second pregnancy (Devra), she loved that she handled international communications and that she participated in the construction of Reunion Tower. As their family grew (Trae), Gail became what we now call a stay-at-home Mom. She doted on her young children, also providing care for what must have been half the Cedar Hill neighborhood of Lisa Lane. She was resourceful and hard-working, finding opportunities like babysitting to help make sure we had everything we needed and more.

There was a move to DeSoto and the re-entry of Mom into the workforce: Miller’s Minit Mart and Paint Store, where the Millers (Tom, Lyn, and their daughter, Stacie) would become an integral part of our lives for many years. Every Saturday night, we were at their house or they at ours and it was great fun: games, block parties, music, and swimming. Gail, outgoing and friendly, knew everyone in the then-small town that would become a city. Many of her best-remembered events and parties happened during this time: birthdays, Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s, and some just because. The 50th birthday party she threw for Fred is legendary.

Gail and Fred’s marriage ended, but Gail always spoke highly of the father of her children and welcomed his participation in their lives. They both were models of how to handle the family trauma of divorce.

Gail was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis after ten or more years of the start of her symptoms and eventually joined life at Cedar Green Living Center, where she continued to serve others as she was able: washing a woman’s hair who couldn’t lift her arms to do it herself, driving residents who couldn’t to their doctor and beauty appointments, and providing hospice-like care to the terminally ill. This was when her son, Murray Hilyard, re-entered her life through the services of Gladney Center for Adoption. What a joyous reunion and the re-establishment of what would become a treasured bond! He brought with him Orrin Hilyard and James Sloan. Mother loved her newly expanded family.

Gail packed up everything she owned and moved in with her son, Trae, and his family, from 2006-2008 to get to know her Georgia family better and be involved in their lives. She made friends there, too, especially with Sharon Duncan, who preceded Gail into eternity a few years ago. Health declining, Gail returned to Texas to live with her daughter, Devra, and her family from 2008 until November 2017, when she was diagnosed with severe dementia and moved to Midlothian Healthcare Center. Bedbound since an accident in 2011, she became a darling there, just as she had everywhere throughout her life. She spent her days loom-knitting one hat after another, honing that craft, talking and teasing with her new best friend, Carol, drawing others into her room with her sparkling personality and love, and providing counsel and snacks for the staff that cared for her round the clock.

Who was Gail? She was an expert in the kitchen, she had an eye for detail that could detect anything off balance by 1/16th of an inch, she was silly, she was a vault for confidences; she was kind, forgiving, generous, and loyal. She was a rock, she was a soft place to land, she was easy to like and easy to love.

Gail loves you. She wants to greet you in joy, together with all the saints, when you cross the threshold from the testing ground of this life into the rewards of the next. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. He was raised from the dead, is alive today, and will return. In Gail’s memory, you are lovingly invited to choose life by giving yours to Him. He already gave you His, both in how He lived and in how He died. He loves you. He is good. You can trust Him. Let your eternal life begin today by making Him your Savior and Lord.

Gail leaves behind her mother, LaNelle Coursey, son Murray Hilyard and son-in-law James Sloan, daughter Devra Carmical, son Trae Carmical and daughter-in-law Ronda, grandchildren Hadassah Curtis, Allasan Hale, and Mason and Braeden Carmical, brother Gary Coursey and sister-in-law Kelly, brother Larry Coursey and sister-in-law Carolyn, nieces Erin Cearley and husband Luke, Amanda and Emma Coursey, Tommy and Elizabeth Shaw, and many cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and other family and friends.

Mom, we miss you. We love you. We’re happy for you. See you on the other side!