Gayle H. Williams

Gayle H. Williams (Wilcox) died peacefully surrounded by family on October 8, 2023 after a long and valiant fight against acute myeloid leukemia. She was born on October 5, 1946 in Brockton, Massachusetts to Harold and Eleanor Wilcox. She was predeceased by her loving husband David R. Williams, MD in 2018.

Gayle attended Barnstable High School and then Nyack College in New York. She met her husband David while working as an administrator at Tufts Floating Hospital in Boston. They were married six months later and enjoyed forty-seven years of marriage. Together, they enjoyed a life full of adventure and international travel. Throughout her life, the things she enjoyed most were the community at Dennis Union Church, riding horses, baking, making jelly, and in her later years playing as much pickleball as she was able.

Whenever Gayle took on a new hobby or endeavor, her excitement was contagious and she would often rally her friends and family to the cause. That is how so many of her friends and family ended up volunteering during the many years that she prepared and served meals at the Salvation Army kitchen in Hyannis. Gayle felt that service to others and volunteering were essential. Beyond the Salvation Army, she gave her time and efforts to countless organizations.

Of all the things she loved, she treasured time with family and friends most of all. If you ever had the chance to share a pot of tea brewed by Gayle, it meant that she loved you. She relished the many hours she spent sitting on the sidelines or in the bleachers cheering at her granddaughters' games.

Gayle was a member of the Cape Cod chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution and was a Mayflower descendant.

She is survived by her daughters, Tristan Williams of Yarmouthport and Jerrell Williams of Chatham, beloved granddaughters Norah and Molly Young. She is also survived by her sisters Jerrell Cleaves (Scott Cleaves) of Yarmouthport and Rulon Wilcox (Joyce Wilcox) of West Yarmouth. She leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends that felt like family.

Her family would like to thank all of the folks at Dana Farber Cancer Institute who cared for Gayle over the past couple of years. Their compassion and professionalism is unmatched.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 20th, 4pm-7pm at Doane, Beal and Ames at 160 W. Main St, Hyannis. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 21st at 12pm at Dennis Union Church, 713 Main St., Dennis.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Gayle Williams to support Hematological Cancer Research. Gifts can be mailed to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift.