Hi, my name is Heather, and I’m writing this with a heavy heart after the sudden loss of my mom, Gayle, who so many knew and loved as Momma Gayle or Nanna Gayle.

On Tuesday March 10, 2026, after school, I found her, and since that moment, nothing has felt the same. I’m still in shock, still trying to process how this could even be real.

My mom was my person. She was my comfort, my strength, and the one I could always count on no matter what. But she wasn’t just that for me, she was that for so many people.

If you knew Momma Gayle, then you know the kind of heart she had. She would give her last bit of food to someone else if she knew they needed it more than her. She chose to live simply, never asking for much, but she never stopped wanting to take care of her kids, even as adults, in any way we would let her. That’s just who she was… always giving, always loving, always putting others before herself.

I keep thinking about how she would want to be remembered, and I know she would want all of us, her family, her friends, everyone she loved, to come together, share stories, laugh, cry, and celebrate her life. That part is so important to me because she deserved to be surrounded by love, just like she gave to everyone else.

Right now, I’m trying to navigate this heartbreak while also facing the unexpected costs that come with laying her to rest and creating a space for that celebration of her life. I hate even having to ask, but I could really use the help to cover funeral and memorial expenses so I can focus on grieving and honoring her the way she deserves.

If you’re able to give, thank you from the bottom of my heart. And if you can’t, I completely understand, sharing this or keeping us in your thoughts means just as much.

Thank you for loving my mom. Thank you for loving Momma Gayle.

With love,

Heather ❤️