Gail Gardiner White

Gail Gardiner White July 17, 1941 – June 26, 2011 Gail Gardiner White passed away Sunday, June 26, 2011. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 28, in the Garden Room at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Gail Gardiner White was born to Samuel Walter Gardiner III and Frances Mallory Gardiner on July 17, 1941, in Natchez, Mississippi. She exhibited an early talent for dance and pursued dance training until age 13, when she was diagnosed with a spinal condition, which kept her from pursuing her dream of being a professional ballerina. Gail graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1959, and attended Louisiana State University for two years. Gail later interviewed with the United States State Department, and upon receiving a perfect score on the aptitude test, Gail was hired immediately and transferred by the U.S. State Department to Washington D.C., where she remained employed until December of 1965. On August 22, 1966, Gail gave birth to her only child, Brantley Walter White. She lovingly and selflessly raised her son as a single mother, working in downtown Houston for several oil companies to provide the essentials. While she could not afford extravagances, she endeavored to teach her son the value of the greatest treasures of all: humanity, generosity, humility, perseverance and integrity. Years later she would remark, "her son's devotion to his own children, Abigail and Megan, and to his own clients evidenced she had done her job well." Gail's devotion to those less fortunate was equally inspiring. Gail gave selflessly to the Methodist Home of Waco, loving the children there with the same devotion she exhibited with her own son. Her goal with each child she encountered was to let them know she loved them and to help them realize their own value and potential. Gail's keen wit, thirst for knowledge and fearless approach to life were remarked upon by all those who knew her. Gail's search for wisdom, and self-improvement led her back to college at age 57. She was greatly admired by the students and faculty at McLennan County Junior College. Her poem "The Passage" was published in 2005. Gail leaves behind her loving son, of Corpus Christi, Texas, Brantley Walter White; and her beloved granddaughters, Abigail Caroline White and Megan Elaine White of Corpus Christi, Texas, who will "miss their Gigi." In lieu of flowers, contributions may me made to Providence Hospital. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.