MARTHA WOOD GAYLE
1927-2018
Our beloved mother, Martha Wood Gayle, passed away on Wednesday, the 5th of September 2018, surrounded by her family. Martha’s life began on the 14th of September 1927, in Waco, Texas where she lived until she moved to Houston in 1950. Faith, family, and friends were the hallmarks of Martha’s life. Beautiful outside and inside, she was a tower of strength for those who relied on her spiritual guidance and were inspired by her gracious love.
Martha’s devout faith and her spiritual identity were the rocks of her existence. Martha was selfless with her time, talents, and financial resources. She gave generously to her church and charitable causes. Martha’s Christian example blessed countless others.
The sixty-eight year marriage to the love of her life, Gibson Gayle, Jr., was the second pillar upon which Martha’s life was built. Gib was a renowned attorney and possessed a brilliant legal mind. However, he always credited Martha as the source of his success. Martha stood beside Gib every step of the way and was his greatest advocate.
Martha gave Gib the most precious gifts of his life, Sally Ann, Martha Alice, Gibson III, Jane Ellen, and Philip Wood. Martha was an exceptional elementary school teacher who molded the young lives entrusted to her much as she did the lives of her own children. Later, Martha happily abandoned a professional career to devote her full energies to her husband and children. She was the school parent who organized the PTA meetings, led the scout troops, chaperoned field trips, and ran the carpools. Eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren now cherish the memory of their adored Mimi.
Martha’s circle of friends spanned generations, as well as social and economic classes. If you were Martha’s friend, you were a friend for life. Martha was as fiercely protective, loving, and supportive of her friends as she was of her church, her husband, and her children. Martha was also passionate about her love of gardening. She was a distinguished grower and hybridizer of daylilies.
One quality affectionately remembered by all who knew her well was Martha’s sense of humor. She could tell a great joke and she could blushingly appreciate a little off color humor. Martha could make anyone laugh even when they were going through troubled times. She found the good in all people and the blessing in every situation.
In her final years Martha loved and was loved by her caregivers Teresa, Cristina, and Araceli. Edith and Javier Lopez, longtime employees and supporters, were her surrogate children. Martha is predeceased by her parents Charlie and Katie Wood, her husband Gibson Gayle, Jr. and three older brothers Charles, Tom, and Harvey Wood.
How we shall greatly miss our most precious and treasured mother who was also a beautiful soul, generous spirit, loving wife, and loyal friend.
A celebration of this extraordinary life is to be conducted at half past 10 o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 11th of September, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where Rev. Wick Stuckey, Senior Associate Pastor, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial donations may be directed to the Star of Hope Mission, 4848 Loop Central Drive #500, Houston, Texas 77081, Amazing Place Houston, 3735 Drexel Drive, Houston, Texas 77027, Disabled American Veterans, 2656 S. Loop W. #130, Houston, Texas 77054 or the church of your choice.