Hughes
APPLING, GEORGIA – Valerie Gail Hughes (Crisp) departed this world and was received by her Heavenly Home Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
Gail, a native to Macon County, was born in the Hickory Knoll Community in the home of her late grandparents, George and Fannie Stiles, and is the eldest daughter to the late Frank L. and Leneta Crisp of Franklin. In addition to her parents, Gail is preceded in death by one sister, Donna Smith, and one nephew, Caleb Nathaniel Norton.
Gail is survived by her husband, Tony Hughes of Appling, Georgia and two sisters, Sandra Talley of Franklin and Ruth Thomas of Hiawassee, Georgia. She is also survived by her aunt and uncle, Doyle and Linda Stiles of Franklin, four nephews and several grand-nieces and nephews that will miss her dearly.
Gail is a graduate of Western Carolina University and received her Masters Degree in Education from Clemson University.
Upon her graduation from Western Carolina University, Gail was one of few chosen to participate in an exchange teacher program to South America. From there, Gail continued her teaching career in Westminster, South Carolina, Cashiers, North Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia.
During the 1970’s and early 1980’s, Gail lovingly served as the primary and teen Sunday School teacher at Hickory Knoll United Methodist Church.
It didn’t matter if she had only two to three children in a class... Gail never faltered on a lesson plan or attendance... because she loved to teach children about God’s unconditional love and the stories of Jesus.
Gail had an unfailing love for the Lord, her family, and children. The children in the family have always had an enduring love for Gail. She was the member of the family that always brought love, joy, humor, and structured chaos. Family get-togethers will never be the same.
Gail was a charter member of The Shepherds Church in Appling, Georgia. She took on the role of Sunday school director and was responsible for Children’s Church and all the seasonal presentations such as greening of the church for Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and other events.
A service was held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021 in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home.
Family received friends and extended family prior to the service.
The burial service followed immediately at the Hickory Knoll Community Cemetery.
A Memorial Service for Gail will also be held at 2 p.m. on June 13 at “The Shepherd’s Church” in Appling, Georgia.