Gail McNeil of Morganton passed away on January 12, 2023. Born in 1934, she lived 88 wonderful years full of laughter and love. Gail was born in Plumtree, NC to the late Joe and Buena Vance and is survived by her dear sister Joan Hughes. In 1957 she married her beloved husband Jiggs (Lawrence), who predeceased her in 2003.
She taught English for thirty-two years, the last 20 at Freedom High in Morganton where she was fondly remembered by her students and fellow faculty members.
Memories of Gail are treasured by her surviving nephew and nieces, their spouses and children; Clayton and Christa Brinkley, Cassie Brinkley, Callie Croley, Shirley Gasque and Peggy Tipton. Her grand-nephews and nieces; Ainsley Hammond, Townsend Wells, Avery Brinkley, Cooper Croley, Davis Croley, and especially grand-niece Emma Brinkley, with whom she shared a special bond.
Gail will be remembered for her wit and wisdom and positive impact on others. She was loved by all who knew her and will be missed by those whose lives she touched.
Per Gail’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Suzy Fitzgerald Emergency Shelter for Women and Children of Morganton NC.
No services are planned at this time.
An online guestbook is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.
Loved our Mrs. McNeil at Drexel High School. We always teased her and she gave it right back. Always will remember her with fond memories. Elaine Grady DHS class of 1967
What a wonderful lady. She will be missed.
Mrs.McNeil was a great teacher.
Joan, you will be in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. Gail was a very dear, precious lady. Keep your favorite memories close in your heart. With sincere sympathy, Lib & Dean Allman
Gail was such a nice person, she was my neighbor and both of my sons teacher at Freedom High. They remember her as a really great teacher and we all will miss her. Our prayers are with her sister and all of her family. God Speed.
You are Loved and will most certainly be missed….Love, Sherry and She…
My Aunt Gail was so much fun to be around! My love for cards and reading I’m sure comes from her. I thoroughly enjoyed our times together & she will always hold a special place in my heart.
We will miss Gail’s visits to California. We loved her smile and happy presence. May her memory be for a blessing.
Aunt Gail, I will miss you terribly and remember you with love and laughter. Especially our ongoing “conversations” about lay and lie. Basically meaning you telling me I’m using the wrong one! I love you. My thoughts and prayers to Joan and the rest of the family.
Gail was a wonderful lady. I’m so sorry for your loss and sending all our love and prayers to Joan and the entire family.
Love, Kellee Wagner Reed (Sue’s daughter) Jason Reed & The Wagner’s (Kevin , Susanne, Jenna, and Jackie.
Just learned of Ms McNeils death, so sorry. She was my English teacher at Drexel for my senior year. Her class was the only credits I needed to graduate, and after mid year eye surgery, missing four weeks of school, she worked diligently to get me back on track to graduate. What a wonderful person. I did get to thank her years later-at a friends birthday party, after college, the Army, and all she set me for success. She will be sorely missed.