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Gail Stevens Obituary
Dr. Gail L. Stevens, 75, died Saturday, June 22, 2013. Gail was born in Glens Falls, NY in 1938. She was the youngest of two daughters, graduated from Glens Falls High School, and received a Bachelor's in Nursing from Syracuse University.
In 1961, she married Gary Stevens and moved to Mobile, AL where they resided for 49 years and raised 3 children. She earned two masters degrees from the University of South Alabama, and her Docterate from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Gail started her teaching career at Providence Hospital's School of Nursing and retired from the University of Mobile. During her tenure at the University of Mobile, she was one of four initial faculty members instrumental in initiating the BS Nursing program, and later the Master's Degree in Nursing. She particularly enjoyed obstetrics, research and community health nursing. She served on many committees including being the Chair of the Faculty Development Committee and starting the Nicaragua Nursing Mission program. Gail actively volunteered for Kingswood United Methodist Church, Girl Scouts USA, American Red Cross, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. She was a Sunday school teacher, Girl Scout troop leader, national volunteer, deligate, board member, camp nurse, instructor, lifeguard, Gold Award support personnel committee, a hurricane and emergency shelter volunteer nurse, and remained an actively involved mother.
Gail also enjoyed sewing, knitting, cross-stitch and many other crafts including doll making. She enjoyed cooking, baking, playing the flute, and twirling the baton, including the fire baton.
Preceeded in death by her parents, Paul E. Lavine and Doris S. Lavine, and her in-laws Raymond J Stevens and Geraldine A Stevens.
She is survived by her husband Gary R. Stevens; three children Ginelle (Christopher) Jones, Gavin (Maureen) Stevens, and Gordon (Rhonda) Stevens; four grandchildren, Raymond Jones, Kathryn Stevens, Shelby Stevens, and Wesley Stevens; sister Marcia K. Lavine, sister in law Donna Costa, other relatives and special friends.
Funeral services will be held from the Chapel of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 12 noon with visitation starting at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Kingswood United Methodist Church, 5200 Perin Rd., Mobile, AL 36693, or to do a random act of kindness on behalf of Gail. Burial to follow in Mobile Memorial Gardens.
Our family greatly appreciates the assistance provided by the South Wing staff at The Stanton Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre. We will be forever grateful and appreciative. Special thanks to Rev. Joseph H. Reams and Kingswood UMC family and bereavement committee. Condolences may be offered at www.mmgfuneralhome.com.
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Carol White
July 4, 2013
Gary, Ginelle, Gavin and Gordon,
May God bless and be with you and yours. Gail was unique, so humble but with wonderful talents. Bobby told me that in the seventies he had marked Gail as "one of the good people". She was such a giver and one could tell by her terrific family. Robin, Bobby and I will keep you in our prayers.
With love from the Whites
Gail & Gary filled with love!!
Philip & Carol Girard
June 28, 2013
Gail Levine Stevens you were one of the gentlest souls I have ever met. Sweet as could be and such a beautiful precious soul. Our hearts and prayers go out to your precious family, you will always be first in their hearts!!
Betsy Matthews
June 27, 2013
June 27, 2013
In memory of my friend Gail Lavine Stevens
I wish I could be there to wish Gail a fond farewell and celebrate her life with you. Gail was a wife and Mother who had a successful career and still had time to volunteer, but most importantly she was a wonderful friend.
Gail and I go back to our days in Glens Falls when we were growing up. She went to Sanford Elementary and I went to Jackson Heights. Thus, we met in middle school and became best friends. We shared many happy times together.
We both loved music. Gail played the flute and piccolo and I played the cello and drums in the orchestra and the marching band. Gail was our lead majorette twirling her baton and wearing our magnificent Indian head dress. As she couldn't stand feathers, it was my job to help her put it on and off so many football games and parades. We also were chosen to play in the New York Allstate Orchestra - thus many happy adventures.
Gail was an honor student who was liked by all of our teachers. We both took three years of Latin with Miss Bassinett. I could never figure our why if there was a translation sentence I wasn't sure of, she would call on me. Of course, she would then ask Miss Lavine who always was correct and knew it.
In the summer, Gail and I would ride our bikes to Crandall Park and play tennis. Very early - around 6 a.m. so no one would see us for obvious reasons. We weren't very good at tennis but had fun anyway. We enjoyed going to Lake George. Gail was a wonderful swimmer who got a great tan. I in turn got a burn. Many times we hiked up Prospect Mountain for the view. It was a trail then.
After we graduated from college, our lives and careers took us away from Glens Falls, but we always stayed in touch. Gail wrote such wonderful Christmas letters. I always looked forward to them.
After we reached retirement age, once again we were able to be together (not often enough). Either as Gail and Gary were on their way north to Hillside from Mobile, at our cabin on Sherman Lake. One time when they visited us and we went sight seeing to DC. I especially remember seeing the Native American Museum which had just opened. We enjoyed a great lunch in the cafeteria sampling many Native American dishes, and of course the gift shop!
We (Ed and I) stayed with Gail and Gary many times while we were looking for our retreat in the Adirondacks. Many times they would go house hunting with us. I can still hear Gary saying “how far away are we from a Walmart?” Gail would quietly say - now Gary that's enough.
We loved when Gail and Gary come to see us at our Cabin on Sherman Lake. One year we had a birthday party for Ed and his Mother there. They arrived with the most beautiful cake - such a lovely day together.
My friend Gail had her quiet smiling way, always looked great and was always a lady. It was so difficult to see her slipping away from us. I know she is at peace. I wish we had more happy time to share but it was not to be. I am grateful for the time we had together.
May Peace be with you
Her Friend
Betsy Hillman Matthews
Donna Newman Elhabrouk
June 27, 2013
Mr Stevens and family, I am sorry for your loss, I will miss your wife every day. I remember the times she was listening to the people around her and put a comment or two in just when you thought she was asleep. A inspiration to thous whom where blessed by her presents. A life's testimony that proved hard work and preserver-ens dose make a differences and touch the life's of thous around her. I am blessed by your family.
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Kathy Norris Neno
June 27, 2013
Mrs Stevens taught me at Mobile Infirmary School of Nursing. Along time ago. She even came to my wedding. I remember her as a ball of fire, always moving and always happy. I know she will be missed by her family & by all the nurses she taught.
Gail L. Stevens
Gordon Stevens
June 26, 2013
Gail L. Stevens
Gordon Stevens
June 26, 2013
Gary R. & Gail L. Stevens
Gordon Stevens
June 26, 2013
Gail L. Stevens
Gordon Stevens
June 26, 2013
Gail L. Stevens
Gordon Stevens
June 26, 2013
Gail L. Stevens
Gordon Stevens
June 26, 2013
Gail L. Stevens
Gordon Stevens
June 26, 2013
June 26, 2013
Gail was one of my instructors when I was a student and later I had the privilege of working with her at Mobile Infirmary School of Nursing. She was a very admirable lady. It was a privilege to know her. You are all in my prayers. Angie Davis Sloan
Carolyn Bean
June 26, 2013
Jennell and Gary, My prayers go out to the family.Gail will be very much missed, but now shes in a happy place.love to you all!
June 26, 2013
Gary, Ginelle, Gavin and Gordon - I am so sorry for your loss. She was a real lady and a true inspiration. May light perpetual shine on her. Blessings, Gaby
PAT MCCARTY
June 26, 2013
Dr. Stephens inspired many students over the years. I was one of those. Remarkable Lady. She will be missed but her legacy lives on.. May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I share in your loss.
James,Sandra Rester
June 26, 2013
Gary, so sorry for your loss, we were neighbors by you & Gail years ago. God's Grace & Mercy, James & Sandra
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