Gayle Sheeder

Gayle Sheeder returned Home after the holidays on January 2, 2021. In Heaven, she was no doubt greeted by her devoted husband (Bill), her parents (Grover and Data Holden), her brothers (Kenny and G.G.), and many other family and friends. Those who miss her include her stepdaughters (Lynn Claunch and Traci Gant), their spouses (Scott Claunch and Brett Gant), her grandchildren (Steven Claunch, Bethany Claunch, Carissa Claunch, Taylor Gant and Benjamin Gant), along with her sisters (Betty Wright and Glenda Strate) and in-laws (Jerry Strate, Dick and Erin Sheeder, Don and Clare Fenner, Jonna Sheeder). Her beloved nephews (Tommy especially) and nieces as well as other family members and friends (too many to list) also grieve Gayle’s passing. 

Gayle was born on 4/4/44 and worked for 44 years at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL. Can you guess her favorite number? (You have 4 chances).

Gayle always lived life to the fullest and confronted any obstacles head on. She was a loyal friend who managed to bring fun into any situation. Grandma Gayle‘s chocolate chip cookies were world renowned as was her barbecue brisket and her chocolate cake. 

“Sweet William” was the love of Gayle’s life. Being separated by death from him these last three years has been devastating for her. Bill and Gayle shared many adventures including working together in the Office of the Dean of Students and the Department of Student Affairs at the University of Miami for 23 years (until Bill retired), cheering on the Miami Hurricanes Football team while wearing matching Iron Arrow jackets, owning/managing several dry cleaners and laundromats (there wasn’t a Maytag washer or dryer she couldn’t repair), and entertaining grandchildren (she was still doing cartwheels and splits into her 60’s)! Bill and Gayle loved walking on the beach, watching sunsets over the lake, and taking boat rides together. They enjoyed traveling to upstate New York including to Cayuga Lake, Seneca Falls, and Thousand Island Park. 

Gayle was born in Silver City, NM, but was mainly raised in Laverne, Dewey, and Bartlesville, OK. Her jet black hair and sparkling blue eyes earned her the Homecoming Crown at Dewey High School and the admiration of many a young man. She married Bill in February of 1980, and they were lifelong companions until his death in April of 2018. They volunteered together at several churches over the years where Gayle cleaned windows while Bill vacuumed. She also taught Sunday School and supported her son-in-law pastor in several ways including taking the family out to eat after church each week. Bill and Gayle moved to the Lake Norman area of NC in October of 2013 to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. 

Gayle will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of crossing her path. She left a legacy of love behind and an example of how to truly enjoy life while spreading joy to others. One of the last comments she said to me while smiling and gazing directly into my eyes was, “Go live your life.” She would want you to do the same. 

Memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Lake Norman.