Gayle Elora Williams

Gayle Elora (Slifer) Williams, 77, of New Harmony, passed to the next life she so dearly treasured on Sunday, December 28, 2014. Her faith was strong and she richly deserves her place in heaven. She was born August 19, 1937, in Evansville, to the late Paul E. and Senora May (Robinson) Slifer. Gayle’s life was gracious, full and varied. She was on the Cradle Roll of Bethlehem Church in 1937 (which became Simpson UMC) and remained a member at Simpson her whole life, serving in nearly every church position over the years. During her years of living in New Harmony, she attended Johnson UMC where she was also an active participant in church activities. She touched many lives, beginning as a Sunday school teacher at age 13 and continuing for more than 60 years. She was a volunteer reader for Pre-K to Grade 6 in New Harmony, and is known as “Aunt Gayle” to young and old students and friends. Several reading groups were established at the library with her help. She volunteered and served Deaconess Hospital for many years before becoming an employee and retiring in 2004 as the Manager of Volunteer Services and Community Relations at the hospital. Her years of serving many organizations and friends was her lifestyle. She dearly loved old friends and classmates of the Class of 1955 of F.J. Reitz High School; she worked on organizing class reunions for many years. Her life was dedicated to her faith, her family and children everywhere. She was active in quality education, serving in every capacity of PTA organizations at local and state levels. Rainbow Girls and her family’s interest in Masonic work was important in her life. Those who know Gayle know of her grace and radiance in all that she did, and should celebrate her love of her life, her faith, her family and her friends. Gayle was preceded in death by her darling daughter, Rebecca, in 2004. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Donald R. Williams; son Bryan J Williams of Gulfport, FL; brother, Paul E. (Janice) Slifer, Jr.; sisters, Patricia (Harold) Stovall, Sandra (Don) Hansen of Atlanta, GA, Janet (Glenn) Hotz of Leesburg, FL, and Amy (Larry) Mackey of Fairfield, OH; grandchildren, Zoë (Hisham) Madi and Zane Williams, both of Wilmington, NC; three beautiful great-grandchildren, Esmè, Miette, and Laszlo Madi; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Gayle was so very proud of her namesakes, Elora Amy Bowers and Miette Elora Madi. The family wishes to thank their many dear friends for their kindness of all sorts during Gayle’s illness. Also, the staff of the Charlier Hospice Center has been wonderful in Gayle’s care and comfort; Dr. Mark Browning guided her care according to her wonderful will and spirit; and the staff at OHA for providing Gayle with wonderful care and concern. There will be no viewing or service at this time in accordance with Gayle’s wishes. A celebration of her life will be held sometime soon at her beloved Simpson Church. Those who wish may send memorials to the Rebecca G. Williams USI Library Fund, c/o the Posey County Community Foundation, or Simpson or Johnson United Methodist Churches in Evansville and New Harmony. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.