September 28, 1947 – February 10, 2026

Gayla Beatrice ‘Toy” Smith, age 78, passed away on Tuesday February 10, 2026, in St.
Louis, Missouri.

Born on September 28, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, Gayla was the eldest child of
Geneva Kemp and Edward Smith, both of whom preceded her in death. She grew up in
the city she would call home most of her life and attended St. Louis public schools.
Demonstrating determination and a commitment to personal growth, she later earned
her GED and went on to obtain certifications from St. Louis Community College.

Gayla built a long and dedicated career with Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she worked
for many years before retiring. Her strong work ethic and sense of purpose led her back
into the workforce at Novitex Enterprise Solutions, where she continued to contribute
meaningfully until her retirement in 2012.

Family was central to Gayla’s life. She was the proud mother of five children: Kevin,
Kimberly, Traci, Yolanda, and Carl. Her legacy continues through her eleven
grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Sylvia and
brother Christopher. Her brother Michael preceded her in death. Gayla’s journey
through life reflected resilience, dedication, and love for those around her. May her
memory bring comfort to those who knew her and loved her.