Gail Louise Talley, age 70

Gail Louise Talley, age 70, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2013.

  Gail was born October 15, 1942 in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey to the late John Austin Okie and Dorothy McClaskey Okie.  She received a B. A. in English from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) and a New Jersey secondary school teacher’s certificate.  Over the years, she had numerous occupations beginning with being a High School English teacher in Trenton, New Jersey, and ending with being an assistant bank manager, Rockville, Maryland.  In between, she was a management analyst, Army Electronics Command and a tax reviewer, IRS Service Center, both in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She has been retired since 2003, when she moved to Rutherfordton from Rockville, Maryland.  Previously she lived in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

  Gail loved and played tennis for over forty years.  She belonged to numerous tennis clubs and played in many tournaments and leagues and won many trophies.  She often was the captain of a club or league team.  Perhaps her favorite team was the “Happy Hackers” in Maryland.  

  She enjoyed gardening and back yard bird watching.  She enjoyed reading of all kinds, especially mystery books.  She did a cross-word puzzle daily (in ink).  In her forties she learned to play the organ and often played it at home.  In her later years she took up golf and bridge.

  She was active in the Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church, serving as a Circle Leader, usher, and member of committees and projects.  She was involved in outreach programs such as the soup kitchen at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church and Meals on Wheels.

  Gail is survived by her husband of 46 years, John Russell Talley, of Rutherfordton, and her sister Dorothy Gehery of Hamilton Township, Mercer County, New Jersey; a niece and a nephew, and special aunts, cousins, and friends.

  Gail’s body has been cremated and her ashes will be interred privately by her family.  A memorial service was held at the Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Donald Scofield officiating. 

  Memorials for Gail may be donated to the Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 1133, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

  Crowe’s Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.