Gail Ann Warner

GAIL ANN LATHEY WARNER, 65, of Dunbar, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Friday November 8, 2025 at Select Specialty Hospital.
She was born to her surviving parents Gene and Christine Lathey in Dunbar. Her kind spirit and intellect were evident early in life, as she was voted by her classmates as "Most Likely to Succeed" at Dunbar High School. Her gift of beautiful writing drove her to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Morris Harvey College, followed by a Masters in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She continued using her gift as an Editor at Blair Publishing Company in North Carolina, using her expertise to encourage others to improve. Her successful trajectory in life was cut short upon discovery of an epidermoid brain tumor. However, her faith, hope and kindness never faltered. She later survived five major brain surgeries, which resulted in unilateral blindness. Every challenge the tumor presented only made her rise higher. Using one finger to type due to her blindness, she wrote two books, underscoring her grit and determination. In the months leading to her passing, she faithfully wrote reflections of Pastor Jarrod's sermons, which will forever spark joy for anyone lucky enough to read them. Beyond her sharp talent and resilience was a gentle spirit, widespread kindness, and unconditional love for all. She enjoyed spending time with her beloved cats over the years, Cleo, Gypsy, and Bella. She spent many years in Winston-Salem, North Carolina raising her children, who she regarded as her biggest accomplishment in life. She eventually returned to her hometown with her parents and sister who supported her through her growing health needs. She spent her final three years at Rolling Meadows Place, where she found love and joy in her best friend, Rick Estep. She was a member of Dunbar United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by loved ones who welcomed her home: her maternal grandmother, Hattie Bailey; her paternal grandparents, Clara and Ted Lathey; her aunt, Doris, and her husband, John Lathey; her uncle Vaughan Lathey; and her uncle Skip Crizer.
She is survived by her children, Anna (Dileep) of Dallas, and Mitchell of Greensboro; her parents, Gene and Christine Lathey; her sister, Gina Lathey of Hurricane; her aunt, Joan Crizer of Beaver, PA; her nieces and nephews, Lexi Makhene (Moe) and Lauren Pile (Tommy); and her great-niece, Harper Makhene, and great-nephews, Brooks and Ford Pile. She also leaves behind her cousins, Jade, Johnna, Rod, Jeri, Jay, Shea, Levi, and Felix, and many treasured friends, particularly Winona Pulliam, Sandy James, and Nancy Hill, whose friendship brought comfort and joy throughout her life.
The family would like to extend special appreciation to her son-in-law, Dileep, M.D., and her sister, Gina, a nurse practitioner, whose devoted care, advocacy, and constant presence provided comfort, dignity, and love throughout her illness.
The family is also deeply grateful to Rolling Meadows Place for surrounding her with compassion and community, and to Dr. Stephen Tater and Dr. David Kelly (neurosurgeons), Dr. Darshan Dave (neurologist), and the dedicated teams at CAMC and Select Specialty Hospital for their excellent and compassionate care.
She will be missed beyond measure, but we take deep comfort in knowing she will never experience another moment of pain, as she is now in the kingdom of paradise with her Lord and Savior.
As she wrote in her journal as a high-school girl: "My greatest goal is simply this: When the pressing shadow of death hangs over me, I wish, above all, to look back upon the years of my earthly life, successful or unsuccessful, and say with total honesty, 'I did my best.'"
A funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar with Pastor Jarrod Caltrider officiating.
Family will welcome visitors one hour prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.
www.kellerfuneralhome.net