Gailor Scott-Hamsley

Gailor Scott Hamsley, age 69, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025, at Baptist Restorative Care Hospital in Memphis, TN, after a valiant battle with ALS. With an infectious laugh and a personality to match, "Gailor like sailor" was a true joy to be around. She was an amazing mother, a loving wife, a caring nurse, a generous friend, and a kind, gentle soul. Gailor was the beloved wife of James Kenneth "Kenny" Hamsley Jr. and the doting mother to James Kenneth "Jake" Hamsley III and MaryAnn "MayMay" Lindley(John Lindley). She loved being a mother and dedicated her life to her children, yet her favorite role of all was being "Grandma" to her adoring grandchildren: Mary Gailor Wilson "MG" Lindley, Tristan Lee Cook, John Arthur "Ari" Lindley III, and Scottie Elizabeth "Izzy" Lindley. Born in Memphis, TN, on September 21, 1955, Gailor was the second child of Roy Maurice Scott Jr. and Mary Ann Gailor Scott. After her mother remarried, Gailor and her older brother, Roy Maurice "Scotty" Scott III, moved to Poplar Bluff, MO, with their mother and stepfather, George B. Scott Jr. She graduated from Poplar Bluff High School, Class of 1973, and later became a proud alumni of Stephens College in Columbia, MO, Class of 1977. Gailor went on to graduate from nursing school in 1988 and was a much loved nurse at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for over 17 years. She was a gifted nurse for children because Gailor always maintained her own childlike innocence and compassion. She often said in reflecting on her years at St. Jude that she felt dedicated to the kids, but as a mother, she also looked into the eyes of the parents and felt she must offer them hope. After the loss of her own mother and brother, Gailor took a break from nursing to focus on raising her children. Later, she returned to nursing and began working with newborns in the nursery at St. Francis Hospital. Gailor finished out her decades-long career at Baptist Patient Placement with her beloved PPC family. Gailor Scott Hamsley was the definition of kindness. She was known for her cheerful energy, her light-hearted humor, her loving spirit, and her knack for nicknames, as well as her occasional "potty mouth." As a close childhood friend said when reflecting on Gailor, "She was light and laughter and love and funny as hell." Gailor will be greatly missed by the many friends and family members she leaves behind. Although she is now "somewhere over the rainbow," the gift of her love will live on in the hearts of those blessed enough to have known her. Visitation will be held 10am on Saturday, February 8, at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Memphis. Funeral services will begin at 11am with a reception to follow. Please join us to share your favorite memories and to celebrate the life of Gailor Scott Hamsley.