Billie Jean Hanson Gayle, departed this earthly life on October 22, 2008 after a brief illness at age 81. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Harold Jean Gayle, her parents, Hershel and Inez Hanson, her sisters, Aleen Hanson Evans and Evelyn Hanson Taylor, and her brother, Bryce Hanson. She is survived by her son and his wife Billie Harold and Sandra Gayle of Winter Park, Fla., her granddaughter and her husband, Karen and Walt Hildebrandt and her great grandson, Sean Dixon of Lake Mary, Fla., her brother and his wife, Don and Karen Hanson, and Chuck Evans of Birmingham as well as a host of extended family members and friends. She and Dr. Gayle were proud to have served the Lord with other sweet Christians at the Waterstone Church for over 50 years. Billie was raised in the Arab, area prior to her marriage to Dr. Gayle. After Dr. Gayle finished dental school they settled in Warrior, where he practiced dentistry for 47 years during which time she assisted him for some of those years. She also worked for some department stores in Birmingham as well as modeling clothing. Billie was an avid bridge player who was a tough opponent. Billie will surely be missed by her many friends and relatives. The family received family and friends at the Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home in Warrior on Friday October 24. Burial followed at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham with Rev. Jerrel Brown officiating and Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home directing. The family wishes to thank the fine management and staff at the Sunbridge Senior Center and at the Covenant Woods facilities for their fine care while she was a resident at each of those facilities as well as the many other medical personnel who cared for her.

Messmer–Goodwin Funeral Home, 225 Dana Road, Warrior, AL 35180, (205) 647–0253