Family Remembrance
PVT. James Daniel Gardner
PVT. James Daniel Gardner
PVT. James Daniel Gardner
SUNRISE September 16, 1839
SUNSET September 29, 1905
Rev. Gayle is a descendant of James Daniel Gardner who was an African American Union Army soldier during the American Civil War and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm.
1839:
Gardner was born in Gloucester, Virginia.
1863: He worked as an oysterman before enlisting in the Union Army from Yorktown, Virginia, on September 15, 1863.
1864:
At the Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia, on September 29, 1864, Gardner's regiment was among a division of black troops assigned to attack the Confederate defenses at New Market Heights.
Mother Ruth McQuillar
PVT. James Daniel Gardner
PVT. James Daniel Gardner
SUNRISE May 21, 1918
SUNSET May 15, 2010
Ruth McQuillar, A standout cook, dies at 92
Mother Ruth called Rev. Gayle her Preacher man, even before he became a preacher.
If you arrived at Ruth McQuillar's house when a baseball game was in progress on TV - especially her beloved Dodgers - you might as well have settled in to watch it with her. You didn't dare even suggest turning it off.
Ruth McQuillar, a true daughter of the South who brought her love of Southern cooking to Philadelphia - convinced that some dishes had curative powers - died Saturday 2010. She was five days from her 93rd birthday. She lived in North Philadelphia.
Ruth was born in Bishopville, S.C., one of the nine children of Jim and Mary Peoples. 5 daughters, 2 sons, and 17 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren, and 33 great-great-grandchildren.
Debra L. Riggs-Torain
PVT. James Daniel Gardner
Sgt. Maj. Moses L. Gayle, Jr. (Ret.)
SUNRISE July 23, 1958
SUNSET August 28, 2015
Rev. Gayle's adopted sister whom he has know since she was about 12 years old. The daughter of Elder Lillie B. Riggs-McKellar
Debbie was an avid reader, which made her great at scrabble and crossword puzzles. She loved to cook, and feeding others was long understood to be one of the ways she expressed her love for them.
For Debbie, music was the soundtrack for life and, whether Rhythm & Blues or Gospel, her soulful voice (and possibly her Diva style) drew comparisons to Patti LaBelle throughout her lifetime.
Sgt. Maj. Moses L. Gayle, Jr. (Ret.)
Sgt. Maj. Moses L. Gayle, Jr. (Ret.)
Sgt. Maj. Moses L. Gayle, Jr. (Ret.)
SUNRISE ...
SUNSET October 15, 2016
NEWPORT NEWS - Rev. Gayle's first cousin Sgt. Maj. Moses L. Gayle, Jr. (Ret.) peacefully went home to be with God, October 15, 2016 at 5:00 AM.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at Carter Funeral Home, 251 Richneck Road, Newport News beginning at 7:00 PM.
Funeral services will be at Shepherdsville Baptist Church, 8229 Fary's Mill Road 11:00 AM Friday, October 21, 2016.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking everyone to make a donation to Union Zion Baptist Church Youth Ministry, PO Box 1029, Gloucester, VA 23061.A guestbook is available at www.carterfuneralhomes.com
Mother Julia Gayle-Grimes
Sgt. Maj. Moses L. Gayle, Jr. (Ret.)
Mother Julia Gayle-Grimes
SUNRISE March 3, 1921
SUNSET September 8, 2019
Rev. Gayle's Most Beloved Aunt, a devoted member of Union Zion Baptist Church.
A woman of immense heart and an ever-ready smile, she was beloved not only by her family but by many others on whom she showered her love, compassion, good humor and wonderful spirit.
She served her church and community well as a Sunday school teacher and deaconess.
With a host of nieces and nephews, who she regarded as her sons and daughters; and other relatives who loved and cared for her in a special way and who rallied to her side whenever she called.
As the family matriarch, she was the last living offspring of Peter Gayle and Hallie Gardner Gayle.
Rev. Dr. Elton Pryor
Sgt. Maj. Moses L. Gayle, Jr. (Ret.)
Mother Julia Gayle-Grimes
SUNRISE February 7, 1959
SUNSET March 17, 2020
Rev. Gayle's first friend in Gloucester Va. Pastor Elton Pryor was the 9th Pastor of Zion Poplars Baptist Church. (2003-2020) Zion Poplars Baptist Church is the oldest African American congregation in Gloucester County Virginia.
Elton attended school in Gloucester County and Newport News, graduating from Denbigh High School in 1977. He attended Boyce Bible College and matriculated to United Bible College where he received a Bachelor of Theology, a Master of Theology, and an honorary Doctor of Theology Degree.
He loved music and singing, playing drums and the bass guitar were his favorite things to do.
Sherwood Christopher Gardner
Elder Lillie Bell Riggs-McKellar
Sherwood Christopher Gardner
SUNRISE August 27, 1946
SUNSET May 3, 2020
A relative of Rev. Gayle, Sherwood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gloucester native, passed away at the age of 73.
He was a victim of Covid-19. Affectionately known as Sherry, he graduated from T. C. Walker school. Sherry received a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering in 1970 from the Hampton Institute, now known as Hampton University.
He retired after settling and working 40+ years for various major corporations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He had a special knack for telling a story or joke. He will be laid to rest at Rising Valley Baptist Church in Gloucester, where he was a former member.
Ky'ran Khalil Riggs
Elder Lillie Bell Riggs-McKellar
Sherwood Christopher Gardner
SUNRISE July 18, 2014
SUNSET May 25, 2020
Rev. Gayle's, Great Grand son, on Monday, May 25, 2020, God looked around His garden and found an empty place. When he looked on earth, He saw a radiant and infectious smile on Ky'ran Khalil Riggs "Ky" face. He gently placed His arms around him and lifted him to rest. We know God's garden is beautiful because He only takes the best. Ky'ran was born July 18, 2014 in Lake City, Florida.
He was Christened and welcomed into the family of Christ at Word in Power Outreach Ministries, Lake City, FL.
Elder Lillie Bell Riggs-McKellar
Elder Lillie Bell Riggs-McKellar
Elder Lillie Bell Riggs-McKellar
SUNRISE May 12, 1940
SUNSET October 6, 2020
Virtual viewing and service for Lillie B Riggs-McKellar will be held on October 16, 2020 at 10:30 AM US-EST
https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/61459702
Rev. Gayle's oldest son Grandmother.
Growing up she was know to me as Ms. Riggs. She loved God and she loved to talk. She would talk to me on hours end and when she finished talking to me she would say; "Go Home Ronald Gayle". And I felt like I was just let out of jail. But I loved her and her wisdom. She was a major part of my foundation. She will truly be missed.
Interment: Chelten Hills Cemetery
Deacon George Larrimore
DEACON HAROLD D. JONES, JR.
Elder Lillie Bell Riggs-McKellar
Click Picture for Musical Tribute.
SUNRISE August 5, 1939
SUNSET January 1, 2021
Deacon George Samuel “Pudgie” Larrimore Sr. of Gloucester, passed away at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester. He served in the U.S. Army and retired from the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office and was owner of the Village Star Texaco and X-tra Clean Carwash and On the Spot Carwash. Deacon Larrimore was the Chairman of Deacons at The Historic Zion Poplars Baptist Church and a member of the Gloucester-Mathews Men’s Chorus. He was twice President of the Gloucester Lions Club and a member of the American Legion Post 75. Deacon Larrimore was also the Grand Marshal of the 2018 Christmas Parade.
Terri Ann Riggs-Morrow
DEACON HAROLD D. JONES, JR.
DEACON HAROLD D. JONES, JR.
SUNRISE December 24, 1960
SUNSET January 17, 2021
Rev. Gayle's adopted sister whom he has know since she was about 10 years old. The daughter of the late Elder Lillie B. Riggs-McKellar
2 Corinthians 5:6 | View whole chapter | See verse in contextTherefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
DEACON HAROLD D. JONES, JR.
DEACON HAROLD D. JONES, JR.
DEACON HAROLD D. JONES, JR.
SUNRISE 1929
SUNSET November 24, 2021
Rev. Gayle's Father's best Friend
Harold D. Jones Jr, 92, left his earthly home and entered his heavenly home Wednesday, November 24, 2021. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Maedean W. Jones. He was a lifelong native of Gloucester, and a devoted deacon of Rising Valley Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Gloucester Training School. He served and was honorably discharged from the United States Army. He retired from Newport News Shipbuilding after 32 years of service. He is survived by his children, Wyvonnia (Anthony) Carter, Brenda (Clarence) Davis, Dr. Harold (Carol) Jones, III, MD, his four grandchildren and one great grandchild. For those who wish to pay their respects, Deacon Jones may be viewed on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 12-6:00 PM at Carter Funeral Home, Denbigh Chapel, 251 Richneck Rd., Newport News VA 23608. Due to COVID-19 limitations, a graveside funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Rising Valley Baptist Church, located at 10172 John Clayton Memorial Highway, Gloucester, Virginia. The services will begin at 1:00 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, services will be held at Carter Funeral Home 251 Richneck Road, Newport News, Virginia 23608.
2 Corinthians 5:6 | View whole chapter | See verse in contextTherefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
Tyrone Peter John Gayle - SUNRISE December 25, 1977 SUNSET June 1, 2022
Rev. John Everett Smith - Sunrise January 11, 1935 Sunset July 27, 2022
Rev. John Everett Smith - Sunrise January 11, 1935 Sunset July 27, 2022
Rev. Gayle's 2nd Cousin A funeral service will be held for Tyrone Peter John Gayle of Newport News VA at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at First Morning Star Baptist Church in Bena VA. He transitioned from life on June 1, 2022, at Old Dominion Rehabilitation Center, Newport News VA.
Tyrone was the son of the late Hannelore Ringer Ga
Rev. Gayle's 2nd Cousin A funeral service will be held for Tyrone Peter John Gayle of Newport News VA at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at First Morning Star Baptist Church in Bena VA. He transitioned from life on June 1, 2022, at Old Dominion Rehabilitation Center, Newport News VA.
Tyrone was the son of the late Hannelore Ringer Gayle and the late Sgt. Maj. Moses Gayle, Jr. He is survived by one brother, Robert Ringer (Vanessa), Leander TX; three sisters, Jutta Ringer, Wallace NC; Maria Warren (George) Hope Mills NC; Mary Gayle Payne, Byron GA.; his devoted stepmother, Mary Delores Gayle and stepbrother, Rodney Lockley (Anita) Newport News VA. Tyrone was a graduate of Warwick High School class of 1995 and attended Union Zion Baptist Church in Gloucester VA.
2 Corinthians 5:6 | View whole chapter | See verse in context Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
Rev. John Everett Smith - Sunrise January 11, 1935 Sunset July 27, 2022
Rev. John Everett Smith - Sunrise January 11, 1935 Sunset July 27, 2022
Rev. John Everett Smith - Sunrise January 11, 1935 Sunset July 27, 2022
Rev. Gayle's First Cousin. Born to Pastor Richard Warner Smith and Martha Alberta Gayle Smith.
A United States Air Force Veteran. Married to Maryland Isabell Ellis-Smith for 62 years.
Three children, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
He often emphasized the importance of staying connected with family. He had a great love for
Rev. Gayle's First Cousin. Born to Pastor Richard Warner Smith and Martha Alberta Gayle Smith.
A United States Air Force Veteran. Married to Maryland Isabell Ellis-Smith for 62 years.
Three children, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
He often emphasized the importance of staying connected with family. He had a great love for his family and stayed in touch by weekly calls or visits. In recent years, he learned to video chat with family members, just so he could see their faces during the conversation and observe their attitude. He loved and often shared his gifs of gab and sense of humor to the delight of others.
Catherine R. Booker - Sunrise May 4, 1928 - Sunset August 26, 2022
Catherine R. Booker - Sunrise May 4, 1928 - Sunset August 26, 2022
Catherine R. Booker - Sunrise May 4, 1928 - Sunset August 26, 2022
Rev Gayle called her affectionately Cousin Catherine.
She loved the Lord!
She was a remarkable person in that she struggled with an illness for several years and always managed to keep smiling. She was also remarkable that at age 62 she was able to obtain a driver's license for the first time which insured her independence.
She had and acute
Rev Gayle called her affectionately Cousin Catherine.
She loved the Lord!
She was a remarkable person in that she struggled with an illness for several years and always managed to keep smiling. She was also remarkable that at age 62 she was able to obtain a driver's license for the first time which insured her independence.
She had and acute ear for music. She studied classical piano at the Detroit Conservatory of Music.
She is survived by multiple generations of nieces and nephews as well as a large group of cousins and friends. Cousin Catherine will always be remembered as having a subtle sense of humor and love being around people.
Deborah White - Sunrise February 7, 1957 - Sunset November 23, 2022
Catherine R. Booker - Sunrise May 4, 1928 - Sunset August 26, 2022
Catherine R. Booker - Sunrise May 4, 1928 - Sunset August 26, 2022
She called Rev Gayle her Pastor before he became her Pastor.
She loved the Lord!
Sister Debbie came in a “Faithful, Worker. She was a down to “Earth, Kind, Loving Person”. She developed a great “Rapport” with the “Youth” of our Church. Many Sundays they sat with her.
She was “The Treasurer of our “Pastor’s Aid Ministry”. Supported our Pastor
She called Rev Gayle her Pastor before he became her Pastor.
She loved the Lord!
Sister Debbie came in a “Faithful, Worker. She was a down to “Earth, Kind, Loving Person”. She developed a great “Rapport” with the “Youth” of our Church. Many Sundays they sat with her.
She was “The Treasurer of our “Pastor’s Aid Ministry”. Supported our Pastor, Choir, Men’s Chorus; wherever they “Went” Sister Debbie was in the congregation. “Beating her Tambourine”. When she sung her song “I Said I Wasn’t Gonna Tell Nobody, But I Couldn’t Keep It to Myself.
The Congregation was Deeply Touched.
Don’t get me started with her Blessed Ability of Cooking, Peach Cobbler, Strawberry Cake, Cookies; & much more.
She always had room for someone else. And the Health Challenges she faced; she Never Complained. She knew it was in the Hands of God. She made time to Call the Sick & Shut-In, and visit when she could, and send an encouraging card.
Her heart was made of Gold.
Celebrating Women in History
We love you, and you can't do anything about it!