Gayle & I have been close friends for well over 30 years now. Through the sunshine and the rain she has always taken the time to encourge and be a friend. There are no words to express the void we will all feel. Yet, her spirit still lives in all of us she has touched throughtout these precious years. Pass on the love and light to all we meet - would be our greatest tribute to this beautiful TRUE HEART! .

I have known Gayle Vickers about four years, and throughout that time she has always been the voice of positive thoughts and actions that permeated a meeting or a phone conference like the warm glow of sunshine. In fact, she always met others with a sincere and unaffected smile --- no matter what kind of day she happened to be having at the time --- for those few or however many moments in her presence, one could sense that he or she was the center of her attention. She brought the same focus to her professional endeavors at the City of Jonesboro. She undertook her vision to ensure empowerment of low and moderate income individuals throughout Jonesboro with the zeal of a crusader --- unwilling to settle for anything less than full empowerment for those with little power. She sought to ensure that she invested in causes that would outlive her tenure on earth, and one need only look around Jonesboro, the State of Arkansas, and anywhere she has lived or traveled, to know how awesomely successful she was in accomplishing her goals and objectives. Those who had the great opportunity to know her, witnessed a quiet gentle lady with a will of steel. She will be missed tremendously by all who knew her well.

I met Gayle through the United Way....and was immediately impressed by her smile, friendly outgoing pesonality, and her empathy for others. She had a gift for making others feel valued, and worked diligently to improve the lives of the less fortunate. A beautiful lady, always so poised and professional...but then a smile, those twinkling eyes, and a small quiet joke would make me laugh! Gayle was so dedicated to her work, and gave countless hours to the community. I recently visited with Gayle in WalMart and we talked and laughed, and moved our carts around to dodge the customers. In the short time I knew her, I felt as if she was a longtime friend. Her shoes will be hard to fill. I feel so blessed that our paths crossed, and know heaven is rejoicing. My sympathy to the friends and family of Gayle, may God comfort you with many wonderful memories.

She always told me, "I only surround myself with true hearts" I had been working with Gayle on a documentary about homelessness, when we became very close. She told me our paths were meant to cross for a reason beyond us. She was right...through the process, we would talk for hours and hours about life, beliefs and what we could do together to make positive change. She is more than a sunflower reaching for light, she is in the wind around everyone she ever touched. I know whatever light surrounds her...it is white and magnificant. Gayle, you made me believe in myself and gave me a sense of purpose and direction in my work on this earth. I'll catch you in my dream!

I only knew Gayle about a year but she always made me feel special & glad to see me. Her big eyes & huge pretty smile made everyone feel at ease around her. What a blessing she was for the work she did in our community !! How will anyone fill her shoes? She gave so much & enjoyed her work immensly. We have lost such a rare treasure.

My memory of Gayle goes back to early days in California. My brother, "Woot:" and his wife, Ruth, were best buddies of her mom and dad. We shared many holidays together, playing games and having fun. What a coincidence that we lived in the same town there and ended up back in Jonesboro. I will always remember her infectious laugh, her good humor, her dedication to family, her love for the work she did. She had many family members and friends to welcome her to heaven. She will be missed. Mary Ruth Morgan Scholes

Gayle was one of my dearest friends for over 30 years. She had such a huge heart - and spirit. She had uncanny insight - and always saw others for who they were on the inside. Gayle was one of those rare souls with pure intention - honest and compassionate. I miss her, yet feel her around me. Her laughter was infectious - I'll never forget that huge grin she had. She had a great sense of humor. When we lived in California back in the 70's, I was the serious, introspective one in our group. Not Gayle! If it wasn't fun - she wasn't there. Debi, Gayle and I shared that rare ability to love each other unconditionally - then and now. Though we lived in different parts of the country, Gayle and I talked every Sunday like clockwork - sharing our innermost thoughts. I was grateful to speak with her that morning before she died and will keep that memory close to my heart. Though her joyful spirit suffered through health issues, she rarely let any of us know how fragile she had become. Gayle loved to learn - a perpetual student - stretching far beyond her capacity at work....and on her personal spiritual journey. Many Sundays we talked for hours, about our struggles, supporting each other's spiritual growth and celebrating even the small wins. Life was a challenge that Gayle met head on. She was the deepest thinker, and a truth seeker. Though she was independent (and a free spirit) she adored her children - Sam and Stephanie - and her granddaughter. She loved and admired the people they had become - and appreciated that they had to follow their own paths in life. I'm sure she's very near to them now and will be watching over them. Sam and Stephanie - she was so proud of you both! Gayle, I celebrate your life and know in my heart that you're smiling to see all the love you created here on Earth. Safe journey, my friend.

Our voices blended together on this plane. Y0u are only a heartbeat away. Your words will whisper in the wind. You will always be my visiting butterfly, and the dewdrops on the roses. You will always be in my heart, Momfeatther

Tami Wynn

13 years ago

This is so Gayle, and yes...all around

I know my mother was not fond of funerals. I want to honor her wishes as much as I can. However, our loss was so sudden and unexpected that I truely need to gather at this time with her closest friends. Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro is handling her arrangements. The visitation will be Monday May 23rd from 5-7 pm. We will have a closed service on Tuesday at 2 pm. If you knew my mother, you also know she was a very private person. If you feel like you were a part of her inner circle, please feel free to call me at 501-620-9996. I am praying that those important people in my mom's life will continue to come to me at this time. I feel truely guided by God's limitless grace right now.

Tami Wynn

13 years ago

Stephanie, It was too sudden and I would love to talk to you. I want you to read my blog, I have a tribute to her and I hope it finds resonance in your heart, as Gayle was truly a kindred spirit. My love and heart reach out to you and your brother. Link to my blog: "True Heart" http://imconsciouslyme.blogspot.com/2011/05/true-heart-fly-away-home.html Sincerely, Tami Wynn Tamitha.sowe@smail.astate.edu 417-712-4075

My heart was saddened when I heard about the passing of Gayle. I met her a few years ago during one of her visits to the HUD Little Rock Field Office (LRKFO). Gayle loved her work and she loved helping people. Jonesboro has certainly lost a valuable part of their community and the LRKFO has lost a special team player. Staff at the HUD Little Rock Field Office will miss Gayle and we realize that she is going to be hard to replace. She was always willing to go the extra mile to get things done. Thanks Gayle for all of the lives you touched.

Most of my memories of Gayle revolved around youth work in church. She was a joy to work with. Gayle always noticed "the kid in the corner" or the one "not chosen." It was always easy to pick up where we left off no matter how much time passed. She had an infectious enthusiasm that made others want to follow her. Though her time was way too short, I am happy to have called her my friend.

Friends and Family of Gayle Vickers

13 years ago

Thanks Susan ~xox

We have lost a dear friend and an inspiration. The people of Jonesboro have lost their champion. Never has a people's advocate approached the job with such passion and open heart, and never has there been a truer advocate for the people. Gayle was blind to color, race, creed, status, and politics. She had true and unwavering purpose: to help the disenfranchised and the poor find peace, comfort, safety, and opportunity. In all the wondrous conversations I had with her, I don't think I ever heard her say "I" or "me", it was always "WE". She saw every obstacle as an opportunity in disguise, and was determined to seize that opportunity for the people who needed it the most; the poor. With open heart and open mind, Gayle made the impossible possible. May her legacy be the success of all the programs she set in motion. May her dreams not die with her passing. I urge the people of Jonesboro reading this to demand that her vision of the future become a reality. Gayle will greatly missed.

Friends and Family of Gayle Vickers

13 years ago

Beautiful Jon, thank you!

Tami Wynn

13 years ago

We are on it. Jon, Gayle wanted me to meet you. Your words describe her to a T...beautiful as she will always be

Gayle and I met in the 70's and became instant best friends. One of those people you meet and 'have known forever'. She, Jeannette and I hung out constantly after that. My memories of that time were of us laughing and eating. Two things we were good at and that never changed. She moved to Arkansas in '79 and we shared our (now married) lives, kids antics by phone. Then somewhere along the way, through kids growing up, divorcing, we lost touch with each other. A few years ago I could not get her off my mind and searched for her online finding her on the Jonesboro city hall site. I called her and it was like no time had passed. We laughed, shared about our lives and talked regularly. We have many of the same Spiritual beliefs, life values, love for laughter... I will miss hearing her wonderful laugh so much and that little girl voice that never changed. When her beloved mom, Dollie (Dee) Smith died in January Gayle wanted an online memorial site. So we set up - http://www.respectance.com/deewoodsmith" It was so important to her that friends and family post pictures and write their memories. This is a place where we can do the same thing for Gayle. I am honored to have called Gayle my friend.