of Batesville, AR

June 23, 1931 - December 10, 2024

Gayailia Low McSpadden Story, 93, passed from this life on December 10, 2024.

Gayailia was born June 23, 1931 to Elsie Harmon Low and Jesse Thomas "Carl" Low at the big house at Limedale Quarry near Bethesda in Independence County. She is pre-deceased by her parents; a sister, Eva Jeanette Low; a brother, Billy Joe Low; her niece, Sara Elizabeth Low and her husbands; Shelby McSpadden (m.1950-1976) and JT Story (m.1980-1997). Being the oldest of five kids, Gay helped with her younger siblings and was affectionately known as "Punk" to her brothers. Early in life, she suffered a high fever that affected her hearing. Despite that, she skipped a grade in school, graduating Batesville High School early with the Class of '48. She attended Arkansas College '48-'50, majoring in Home Economics. That is where she learned to make her excellent jelly.

She dreamed of being a wife and mother. In 1950 Shelby McSpadden made those dreams a reality. Over the next ten years they had four children. Over the next 26 years they worked side by side until cancer stole their dreams and took Shelby away. Gayailia put her skills to use to support her family by sewing for upholsterers and working in childcare.

Gayailia was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church, attending Bethesda Campground, Salado and Central Avenue in Batesville. She taught all ages in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and was a longtime teacher of the Omega Class at Central Avenue UMC. She was a member of the WSCS, UMW and Morning Circle. She served on the Altar Guild, cleaned, cooked and gave all she could to her church family and God.

She loved to work in her yard, read, quilt, cross stitch and make bread and jelly. Nothing pleased her more than giving away a baby quilt or a loaf of sourdough bread. Over the years Gayailia cared for her son, both her mothers-in-law, her own mother and both husbands. She was a twenty-year cancer survivor.

Gayailia is survived by her brothers, Tom Low (Gene) of Benton Kentucky and Mike Low (Bobbie) of Batesville; a sister, Barbara Driskill of Batesville; four children, Danny McSpadden (Kathy) of Batesville, Donna McSpadden (Tom Perry) of Maumelle, Carol Helm (Kenny) of Batesville and Regina Wingo (Steve) of Little Rock and eight grandchildren, Beth McSpadden Morris, Jeremey McSpadden, Matthew Bryant, Micah Bryant, Mason Dickson, Jennifer Foltz, Lydia Wingo Kane and Shelby Wingo; as well as many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be at Roller Crouch Funeral home on Sunday, December 15 from 2:00 to 4:00. Services will be Monday, December 16th at 10 am at the Bethesda Campground Church with burial to follow. Rev. Jesse James will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Campground Cemetery, 120 Low Lane, Batesville AR 72501 or Central Avenue United Methodist Church, Batesville.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Crouch Funeral Home
510 College Avenue
Batesville, AR  72501
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com