Iris Elizabeth "Beth" Gay

Beth Gay, 82, died peacefully in her sleep, March 16, 2024, at Oak Hills Terrace Memory Care in Tyler, Texas. As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, she loved her family dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn Ella Alberta Werner and Elmer Carl Gainey, her sister, Mary Patricia Gainey, and her husband of 51 years, Robert "Bob" Allen Gay.
Born October 2, 1941, in Houston, Beth excelled in school, graduating from Southern Methodist University and later University of Texas with her master's degree. For many years, she worked as an elementary school educator, teaching first graders how to read and write. She also worked as an assistant principal for Beaumont Independent School District before retiring in 2007.
She loved her pets (fur babies), shopping for all things collectable, painting and other creative activities, playing Bridge, and trips to her family cabin in Ruidoso, New Mexico. After retirement she traveled to many parts of the world including Africa, Germany, China, Alaska and Ireland. She had a special heart for children, people of different cultures and countries, and animals big and small.
Beth was a life-long member of the church and often said she could not remember a time when she was not a believer in Christ. She was a faithful member of First Christian Church in Beaumont and later in Tyler, and a beloved member of the Texas Christian Ashram family. In her final days, listening to older hymns brought her comfort and lifted her spirits.
Survivors include her son Robert Gay and his wife, Teresa, of Seabrook, TX; daughters Jennifer Wills and her husband, Phillip, of Henderson, TX; Christi Golden and her wife, Duana, of Wimberly, TX; grandchildren, Stephanie Price and her wife, Shanna, of Arp, TX; Tabitha South and her husband, Harrison, of Richardson, TX; Hannah Bunn and her husband, Jason, of Tyler, TX; Grace Gay of Houston, TX; Taylor Gay of Seabrook, TX; Hunter Gay of Seabrook, TX; and Avery Golden of Wimberly, TX; and several great-grandchildren and others who affectionately called her Nonny.
The family extends a special thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Oak Hills Terrace Memory Care, Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County Day Club, and Kindful Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Beth.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of Tyler 4202 S. Broadway Ave. Tyler, Texas 75701; Texas Christian Ashram 400 Harkins Ln. Marshall, Texas 75672; or Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith Co. 3531 S. Broadway Ave. Tyler, Texas 75701.
A memorial service for Beth will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, in the sanctuary at First Christian Church, 4202 S. Broadway Avenue, Tyler, with a reception to follow in the Disciples Hall.
Cremation arrangements for Beth were handled through Broussard's Crematorium, under the direction of Broussard's, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.