Gayle Griffith Garner passed away on September 20, 2023. It was her 70th birthday.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023, at Culdee Presbyterian Church in West End. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
She was born in Moore County, NC to William P. “Buddy” and Violet Miller Griffith. The child of a Naval Chief Petty Officer, she lived in Key West, Charleston, Norfolk, St. Petersburg, and Cherry Point but had the fondest memories of growing up and attending school in Aberdeen. She loved to tell stories about growing up in Aberdeen with the best of friends, several of whom were her cousins. She graduated from Pinecrest High School in 1971, a member of the Future Homemakers of America and having earned a certification in cosmetology. She was creative, sewing many clothes for herself, her children, and her daughter’s baby dolls.
She married Mitchell Garner in 1972 and became a homemaker until her children were in high school. She went back to work at the Home Bazaar for many years, eventually being promoted to manager. She ended her career in customer service working for Pinehurst Surgical. She cherished the friendships that she made in all areas of her life.
She attended Grace Church in Southern Pines and Seven Lakes and served in hospitality for several years. She loved serving people and she especially loved times of worship.
She loved to dance, the Beatles, cats, books, birdwatching, and a good old Hallmark Christmas in July movie marathon. She loved her family, and her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She and her sisters have a bond that will transcend all eternity. Her sweet spirit and contagious laugh will be remembered always.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, William Mitchell Garner, and her parents.
She is survived by her daughter, Denise Grandolfo of Eastwood; son, William Mitchell Garner, Jr. of Eastwood; sisters, Sherry Griffith Miller of Fort Worth, Texas and Susie Griffith Greene of Aberdeen; granddaughters, Shelby Grandolfo of Aberdeen and Madison Grandolfo of Eastwood; a sister-in-law, Diane Aldridge and husband Danny of Eastwood; brother-in-law, Wade Garner of Eastwood, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family that she loved so very much. Also her cat, Jack.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 24th, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Boles Funeral Home in Pinehurst.
Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.
