Born on January 25, 1952 in Roanoke, Gail was renowned for her brilliance. She earned the title of valedictorian at her high school and graduated magna cum laude from college. Her journey in the workforce led her to become a math teacher and cheerleading coach at Dunbar Middle School, later, teaching high school math in Phoenix, Arizona. After a ten-year hiatus to be a dedicated stay-at-home mother, she re-entered the workforce as a math teacher at Citrus Park Christian School in Tampa, Florida. Eventually, she settled down and retired from her teaching career at Timberlake Christian School here in Lynchburg. Her passion for mathematics brought her immense joy throughout her life.
Beyond the classroom, Gail was an avid lover of the great outdoors. She explored the world through RV travel, hiking, and biking, and even embarking on three separate hikes through the Grand Canyon. In her spare time, she delved into collecting recipes, sewing, and playing the clarinet and piano at Emmaus Methodist Church. Her selflessness shone through her volunteer work at Timberlake Baptist Church, where she lovingly cared for the youngest members in the nursery. Gail was a consistent, devoted servant, always ready to extend her helping hand.
Her love was boundless, especially for her family, children, and grandchildren whom she cared for with unwavering affection. Gail was a compassionate listener, ever ready to support others through life's challenges. Her faith remained steadfast, and she approached each day as an opportunity to serve her Lord and Savior. Gail's caring nature left a lasting impact on the lives of all those she touched. In every way, she was a truly exceptional individual who exemplified God's grace, dedicated herself to the next generation, and explored the world with boundless curiosity.
In addition to her parents Gail was preceded in death by her brother, Randall Lynn Whorley.
Those left to cherish Gail’s memory include her beloved husband Dannie Smith; her children Emily Gossler and her husband Michael, of Forest, VA; Sarah Mindala and her husband Gregory, of Brunswick, OH; Aaron Smith and his wife Rebecca, of Lynchburg, VA; her grandchildren Sydney Gossler (12), Brynna Gossler (10), Kamryn Gossler (8), Desmond Gossler (6), Augustin Mindala (8), Roman Mindala (6), Viviana Mindala (3), Colton Smith (6), Spring Smith (5), Kalenna Smith (2); and her sisters Sylvia Gray and her husband Terry, of Tampa, FL; and Doris Tice and her husband Jerry, of Goodview, VA.
A memorial service to celebrate Gail’s life will be held on Thursday November 2, 2023 at Timberlake Baptist Church at 7:00pm, with Pastor Bryan Ferrell and Pastor Larry Brodie officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.
Those wishing to send memorial contributions are asked to consider Allow the Children Ministries at www.allowthechildren.org or Timberlake Christian Schools at https://www.timberlakechristianschool.org/give.html
