Louise GAYLE

HAMPTON - Louise Masters "Lou" Gayle, of Hampton, passed away Friday, April 16, 2010, at her home after a lengthy illness. She was serene and lovely throughout her convalescence.
She was a graduate of Hampton High School and the Buxton School of Nursing Program. She loved to sail and participate in sports, especially volleyball, with family and friends. A skilled seamstress and needle pointer she leaves many of her handmade works to daughters, friends and the Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Major and Mrs. Albert Ralph Masters; her husband, Dr. John Ferguson Gayle Sr.; and her sister, Mrs. Molly Masters League.
He father fought in WWI and returned to his family for only a few years before his death. Her mother, Mary, went to work for the Daily Press as a Social Editor to raise her three girls.
Lou married the love of her life, Dr. John Ferguson Gayle Sr. Just as the Nation was going to War again. She followed Dr. Gayle around the States and when he went to England and France as a Flight Surgeon with the B-17 bomber force she returned to Hampton to raise two little girls. They later had three more children.
Lou was friend to all and served her Church. First Presbyterian Church of Hampton, faithfully for most of her adult life. She was especially dedicated to the choir and served as the "Choir Mother" for many years. Until her convalescent period, she faithfully attended Church every week and aided others whenever possible.
She is survived by her sister, Ann Masters Duncan; her children, Susan Gayle McInnis and husband, Neill, Ann Gayle Drummond and husband, Bill, Maria Gayle Schweizer and husband, Chuck, John Ferguson "Jeff" Gayle Jr. and wife, Linda, and Loukie Gayle Smith and husband, Hugh. She also has 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Lou was a wonderful Mother, Mother-in-Law, Grandmother and Great- Grandmother.
A memorial service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Cynthia Rosser Higgins, with a reception to follow in the church Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Lou Gayle Memorial Fund at First Presbyterian Church of Hampton, 514 South Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA 23669.
The family wants to thank Brenda Williams, Mary Batts, Frances Way, Dale Perry, Pat Charlote, and Kim Charlote who cared for Lou so wonderfully well for so many years. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.