DEWITT — Gail Ann Fly Abramson,

a beloved resident of DeWitt, Ark., passed away on September 10, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. She was born on September 6, 1937, and her life was a tapestry of meaningful experiences and cherished memories.

Gail Ann’s early years were spent on the family farm near DeWitt, Ark., where she enjoyed a rustic upbringing before her family relocated to the city. She attended DeWitt High School and later pursued her higher education at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she dedicated herself to her studies, majoring in Elementary Education and earning her baccalaureate degree.

During her time at the University of Arkansas, Gail Ann was an active member of the Kappa Kapp Gamma Sorority and a dedicated member of the University of Arkansas Band. She showcased her musical talent by playing the bass clarinet and proudly served as a majorette. In the off-season, she continued her musical journey as part of the concert band. It was during her college years that she met her future husband, Herb Abramson. After completing her education, she returned to DeWitt, Ark., to make a difference as a sixthgrade teacher.

Gail Ann’s life was filled with various passions and interests. She found joy in her involvement with the First Baptist Church, where she actively served on several committees and was a member for seventy five years. Her commitment extended to the Arkansas County Fair, where she served as a board member. Gail Ann was a 4-H club leader for many years. Gail Ann was also a Master Gardner, demonstrating her green thumb and love for gardening and related activities.

Her hobbies were as diverse as they were numerous. She relished attending Razorback sporting events, Kappa Kappa Gama Alumni events, state and county fairs, major league baseball games and horseback riding. Her love for sports knew no bounds, and she attended countless Razorback games and over seventy-five major league baseball games. Gail Ann also had a fondness for travel, exploring destinations both within the United States and abroad. Among her favorite travel experiences were several trips to the Irish countryside.

Gail Ann had a love for horses from a very young age. At the tender age of three, she embarked on her equestrian journey, learning to ride Ol’ Dan. At the age of six, Gail was gifted a Shetland pony. One fateful day, while riding her Shetland pony, Gail Ann’s loyal German Shepherd, Snowball, suddenly spooked the pony, causing it to bolt. Gail found herself being dragged through a field, leaving her unconscious for several days. On another occasion, while riding a spirited horse, Tony, she was thrown while riding around the town square. Even after all this, Gail continued to ride through childhood and periodically as an adult including Wexford Ireland.

Gail Ann’s other great passion was her role as a devoted “Mom” to her furry companions, Charlie Brown (“Charlie”), a blond cocker spaniel, and Snoopy, a tri color beagle. These loyal dogs provided unwavering love and support to her, including up until the very end. Charlie and Snoopy stood diligently at attention to provide comfort and solace as she passed away. Her love for dogs extended to attending numerous American Kennel Club Dog Shows in Chicago and the prestigious Westminster Dog Shows in New York City.

Gail Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herbert Abramson, Jr., her brother, James “Jimmy” Lawson Fly, Jr., her parents, James Lawson Fly, Sr., and Ethel Irene Ferguson Fly of DeWitt, Ark., as well as her paternal grandparents, James Thomas Fly and Elizabeth Luckette Fly of Dewitt Ark., and her maternal grandparents, Halley Creed Ferguson and Annie V. McCowan of DeWitt, Ark.

Throughout her life, Gail Ann was also accompanied by a series of cherished canine companions who brought joy and unconditional love: Snowball, a white German Sheppard, Chigger, a long-haired Dachshund; Sherlock, a Doberman Pinscher; Fonzie, a Weimaraner; Princess, a Weimaraner; Barney, a Basset Hound; Chrissy, a Cocker Spaniel; and Rover, a beagle.

Gail Ann is survived by her two sons, Scott Alan Abramson of Chicago, Illinois, and James Fly “Jay” Abramson of DeWitt, Ark., as well as her beloved fur babies, Charlie and Snoopy. She also leaves behind a wide circle of friends and extended family who will forever cherish her memory.

Gail Ann’s legacy of love, compassion, and diverse interests will be fondly remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A memorial service to celebrate Gail Ann’s life will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. for a visitation and the service at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, located at 322 W 1st St., De Witt, Ark.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Gail Ann Abramson’s memory to the following organizations:

1. First Baptist Church: Address: 322 W 1st St, DeWitt, Ark. 72042

Contributions can be sent by checks with a note in memory of Gail Ann Abramson to the address above.

2. Real Good Dog Rescue, Memphis, Tenn.

a. Online contributions with a note in the memory of Gail Ann Abramson can be made through the provided link below.

https://www.realgooddogrescue.com

b. checks with a note in the memory of Gail Ann Abramson can be mailed to the address below.

Real Good Dog Rescue c/o Lisa Trenthem

1753 Carruthers Pl, Memphis, Tenn. 38112

3. University of Arkansas

Bands:

- Online contributions: Visit [giving.uark.edu](https://giving.uark.edu/) and click on “Give Today!” This website facilitates an easy transaction and includes an option to select “Razorback/ University Bands.”

- Alternatively, you can send a check payable to the “University of Arkansas” directly to: University of Arkansas Bands Attn: JR Hinkson

103 Lewis E. Epley Jr. Band Building

1 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Ark. 72701

In the memo line, please indicate that the payment should be allocated to the University of Arkansas Bands program. www.essexfuneralhome.com