Gail Timms

Gail Nelson Timms, 90, of Provo, Utah, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025. She was born on February 23, 1935, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Willis and Xenia Nelson. Gail grew up in a home where hard work, education, service, and faith were guiding principles. Her father's work as a school principal and superintendent, along with his service in the Idaho Falls temple presidency, helped inspire Gail's lifelong love of learning and deep devotion to the gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

From an early age, Gail's gifts and interests were evident. She loved fashion, music, and performing, and in 1954 she was crowned Miss Rexburg. Her musical talents as a pianist and singer blessed her and those around her throughout her life. After high school, Gail attended Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho) and later Brigham Young University in Provo, where she studied dramatic arts.

Life's challenges tested her strength and resolve. At age 28, she made the courageous decision to leave her first marriage, taking her three young children with her and attending beauty school so she could provide for them. It was a period marked by difficulty and determination that revealed the core of who she was: resilient, faithful, and devoted to her family. She often reminded those she loved, "You don't have to want to, you just have to do it." This simple phrase became a family motto and an enduring reminder of her grit and resolve.

In beauty school, Gail's creativity blossomed and she won several hair fashion competitions. She cherished her profession as a beautician not only for the craft itself, but for the friendships she formed with her patrons that lasted a lifetime and influenced generations, including children and grandchildren who followed in her footsteps.

At age 35, Gail met the love of her life, Derek Timms. Drawn to her warmth, love of her children, and unwavering faith, Derek became her husband in a beautiful second chapter. They were married on September 4, 1970, becoming an instant family of five, and were later sealed in the Provo Temple. Together they welcomed four daughters, completing a blended and joy-filled family. Gail embraced motherhood with unmatched devotion, never complaining about pregnancy and delighting in the opportunity to hold, teach, and talk to her children, her many grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. Family was her heart, her calling, and her greatest joy.

For more than 55 years, Gail and Derek built their life together in their house on Driftwood Drive overlooking Provo, Utah. Their home became a haven not only for their children but for countless friends and neighbors who felt welcomed, supported, and loved within its walls. Gail had a gift for making others feel at home, and her influence reached far beyond her own family circle.

Gail faithfully served in many church callings throughout her life, including working with the young women, conducting the ward choir, playing the organ, and serving in the temple. Her humility and willingness to serve were evident even in the quiet work of folding laundry at the Provo temple. She and Derek also served as Service Missionaries for Church Employment. She cherished attending BYU Women's Conference and Education Week each year with her family, and she loved studying the gospel and sharing her testimony, especially with her grandchildren. She took great pride in seeing her children and grandchildren serve missions. Her faith was constant, steady, and central to who she was. Gail will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her abiding faith, her kindness, her strength, and her ability to make every person feel valued. Her legacy of love and testimony will continue to bless generations to come.

Gail is survived by her beloved husband, Derek; siblings, Kyle (Peggy), Evan (Helen), MarJean (Frank); children, Jack (Melissa), Jocelyn (Jay), Nate, Stacie (Jeff), Britney (Russ), Amber (Rich), and Ashley (Seth); 35 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Willis and Xenia Nelson.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Provo LDS Chapel on 925 N Temple Dr beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.