Gail Smith
Gail is preceded in death by her parents, Wiley Howard Robertson, and Anna Dickerson Robertson.
Gail is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Kelly Smith of Manchester, MO, two sisters, Jean Eaddy of Gastonia, NC, Anna Tyler (Scott) of Williamsburg, VA, and six nieces and nephews, Maryanna Myers, Brooks Eaddy, Blake Eaddy, Hunter Eaddy, Donna Callis, Lori Matthews and 13 great nieces and nephews.
Gail was born September 25, 1945 in Lynchburg, VA. After graduating from Altavista, VA High School she attended Madison College in Harrisonburg, VA (now James Madison University), was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and graduated with a BS in Education. Gail earned her Master’s in Education from the University of Missouri St. Louis. Gail began her teaching career in Roanoke, VA. Upon moving to St. Louis in 1970 she taught in Normandy School District (St. Louis County). However, the bulk of her teaching career was in Parkway School District (St. Louis county) beginning at South High School and continuing for 2 decades at West Middle School where she was “Teacher of the Year” in 1996-97. She stayed at the forefront of Math education and was always ready to collaborate to the benefit of fellow faculty, students and their parents.
Gail was a giving and trustworthy friend to many. She was smart as a whip and a very accomplished cook and hostess. There was never a dull moment and always a gastronomic delight when Gail and Kelly entertained. Gail’s home is the neighborhood meeting place.
Her love and study of Ikebana allowed her to demonstrate her artistic talents both in and outside of her home. She was also a painter.
Gail was a pet lover, especially dogs (Ralph, Buck, and Ben) who were all twice her size and very important companions in her life. Gail never turned down an opportunity to dog sit and volunteered at the Humane Society upon her retirement.
Gail loved to travel with family and friends, making annual trips to ancestral homes in Virginia, the North Carolina mountains and the beach at Cherry Grove, South Carolina, a priority. She was integral in maintaining her family’s fabric, ensuring milestones were recognized and suitably celebrated even though 800 miles separated them.
Those of us who knew Gail consider it an honor that she was a part of our life.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, consider a memorial to a favorite charity, the Cancer Society, Hospice, animal shelter, or Humane Society.
Interment of the ashes, and an additional celebration of life is planned for Saturday, January 8, 2022, in Altavista, VA. Details to follow.
So sorry to hear of Gail’s passing. She was our next door neighbor for over 40 years. What a wonderful cook and hostess who always had an “open door” for neighbors, friends and family. All my love to Kelly.
Sympathy and prayers to Gail’s family. We were colleagues at West Middle and were
roommates for many trips to the Lake of the Ozarks on professional trips. Gail was always so much fun. She told me Burger King hamburgers were the most unhealthy, and I believed her because she also led a group of teachers in an after school exercise program. She really cared for her students and her friends. ❤️
Dear Kelly,
We met on September 5, 2017, I feel like I’ve known you and Gail longer.
Gail was steadily coming to Tai Chi classes then and I was always happy to
see her smiling face, also yours. So sorry to hear of her passing.
Peace, Ken
Gail was the best friend anyone could ask for! I considered Gail and Kelly family as did my late husband Bill. Next to me she was his best friend! We laughed together and cried together- we stood together through all good, bad and ugly! She was cute as a button and oh so funny and fun to be with! She loved our pups as much as anyone could! I miss her but she lingers in my heart! She has simply flown over the rainbow! We will meet again!
Love to Kelly
Gail was my Ikebana friend. Condolences to Kelly and the rest of the family. She was such a talented person that I truly admired. Rest In Peace. Love, Martha
Gail and her sweet ways will be missed by all her Ikebana friends. Gail’s arrangements were lovely like her.
Our motto is” Frienship through Flower”.
Judy Blix President
Ikebana International
I had the pleasure of working with Gail for eight years at Parkway West Middle. Besides being an excellent teacher, she was a caring teacher of students. Gail worked collaboratively with her fellow math teachers and with her interdisciplinary team members to meet the needs of individual students in the classroom.
I also have fond memories of Gail and Kelly at the annual math “meetings”to celebrate the Christmas season with colleagues who were also friends. I especially enjoyed other gatherings at Ann’s house where we gathered for after-school Happy Hours even after we had all retired!
I wish Kelly peace as he grieves a loving wife. Time will allow him the chance to take solace in happy memories.