Gayle Mayo, age 79, passed away surrounded by her family and friends, Friday, October 21, 2022, after a brief illness. Born in Nashville, TN, on August 27, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Bruce and Grace Smith Mayo.

Gayle graduated from the University of Alabama in 1961 with a degree in Education and later earned her master's degree in Education and Counseling from the University of North Texas.

The majority of Gayle's career was spent at Bohemia Manor High School where she was a Guidance Counselor. Gayle loved her job, especially her students and coworkers. She helped shape the lives and guide three generations of students during her career. She also coached volleyball and girls' basketball. During her summers, if not in Dallas with her family, Gayle was working at Camp Strawderman, an all-girls horseback riding camp that encouraged team building, the arts and many other things. Gayle was an "O.G" there. After retirement Gayle found a passion working with Meeting Ground and running the Mary Randall Day Shelter where she counseled clients, helped to secure housing and additional counseling services when needed. She also managed the rotating homeless shelter where she earned her well deserved nickname "The General".

Gayle was a devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Church where she most recently served as Senior Warden. She was also a devoted sports fan. She was University of Alabama's biggest fan and sideline coach where she was always yelling "Roll Tide". She was a faithful Raven and Cowboy fan as well. She loved to watch golf and played in her younger years. She was also a connoisseur of cruising with her family and friends.

Family meant everything to Gayle, and she is survived by her wife of 6 years, Mary Helen Atwood who was also her best friend for 35 years, their children, Tom Schick (Jen) of Clayton, NC and Mary Katharine Hitchcock (Tom) of North East, MD, 8 grandchildren (Jonathon, Carri, Samantha, Cameron, Alex, Ben, Madalyn and Ben) and two great-granddaughters (Adelaide and Olivia). Gayle is also survived by her brother Steve (Carol Lee) of Eustace, TX and her nephews Bruce of Austin, TX and Christopher (Jen) and their 2 children Connolly and Keelyn of Palm City, FL as well as many aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. Lastly, Gayle's fur babies Baxter, Boots and Socks will forever miss her lap.

Memorial services will be held in Dallas, TX and at Trinity Episcopal Church Elkton, MD at a later date and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gayle's honor to Trinity Episcopal Church, 105 N. Bridge St. Elkton, MD 21921 or Camp Strawderman, c/o Jeanne Mockard, 2494 Dellinger Acres Road Edinburg, VA 22824.

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