Jerry Gayle Stover

Jerry Gayle Stover, age 85, of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026. She was born on August 28, 1940, in Huntsville, Alabama, where she spent her entire life surrounded by family, friends, and a community she dearly loved.

Jerry graduated from Butler High School in 1958 while working downtown at the local five-and-dime store. It was there she met the love of her life, Sam Stover. They were married on October 9, 1959, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and devotion. Jerry later graduated from dental hygiene school, leading to a long and fulfilling career as a dental hygienist. She worked for her cherished mentor and close friend, Dr. Lyldon Strickland, for 50 years before retiring in 2012.

Jerry's wholehearted commitment to her family, friends, and patients was the center of her life. Known for her deep compassion, she never stopped checking on others, always asking-right up until the end-if everyone was okay. In her quieter moments, she found joy in working in her yard, writing poetry, reading, and traveling.

Jerry was a devoted supporter of her family's lives and activities. She rarely missed a sporting event, dance recital, cheer competition, or school function. In later years, when she could no longer physically attend, photographs from these events would still brighten her day. Her family always felt her presence, encouragement, and unwavering love.

Jerry was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sam Stover, and her parents, Joe and Elizabeth Mills.

She is survived by her two children, Tammy Caruso (Jerry) of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, and Michael Stover (Kristie) of Toney, Alabama; four grandchildren, Justin Caruso (Rachel), Claire Shults (Jacob), Jacob Stover (Harley), and Mallori Frost (Nic); seven great-grandchildren, Isabella Caruso, Bennett Caruso, Luke Shults, Cal Shults, Bransen Frost, Lynnlee Frost, and Oliver Stover; her brother, Sonny Mills (Helen); and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to longtime caregiver, Doris Spraggins, for six years of continual love, care, and dedication. Doris has truly been a gift from God, and her endless devotion will never be forgotten. The family would also like to sincerely thank caregiver, Inisclee Hale and her entire staff, for providing compassionate, skilled home care for the past six months after a prolonged illness. These caregivers are truly God's angels on earth.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at noon. Burial will take place at Madison Cross Roads Cemetery in Toney, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation at www.parkinson.org