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.
I am truly sad for all her family. Such a outstanding lady.
Maxie Langston
I have known Gaylia since I was in High School; love her very much.
On Sunday's Gaylia always greeted me with a smile and a hug. I'm going to miss that.
Often times she would make me a Italian Cream Cake and she would not take any money for it as much as I tried to pay her.
All the Family are very much in my thoughts and prayers.
I knew you practically all my life. You were my first babysitter for my firstborn. You have been neighbor and friend, always with that beautiful smile. Thank you for being so important in my life.
What a wonderful Christian lady she was,I will miss her greatly . May the LOrd be with you and bless your lives !
I’m deeply sorry to hear of her passing. She was a quality human being. My thoughts and prayers are with those she left behind.
Gina and family. I so very sorry for your loss. Gay was such a sweet person. Many prayers for comfort.
Mike and I are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was always so sweet to us. Prayers for all the family.
Gina and family, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I pray our Heavenly Father wraps His loving arms around each of you and gives you peace and comfort.
Prayer for all the family
I had a very special place in my heart for her. She was such an inspiring lady. I enjoyed every time I got to visit with her she just made my day. I will definitely miss her forever and ever.
My heart goes out to you, Gina! So glad that she was able to make some good memories in her last days. You and your family are in my prayers.
Love you! Anna
She was a wonderful lady! So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Courtney,
So sorry for your loss, sending prayers to your family.
I didn’t know her, but what I just read, she lived a beautiful life with wonderful family and friends.
God bless you all.
I was just thinking about Ms Gayailia! She was my most memorable Sunday School teacher. I loved her so!
I’m so sorry to hear this. She was such a sweet kind lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . She will be missed.
Jeff and I are so sorry to here passing of Gayailia she was a remarkable woman she will be missed by so many we send our love and thoughts to family may god bless
So very sorry for your loss. Gayailia was a very kind and sweet lady. I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with her at our church, CAUMC.
So sorry for your loss! Gayla was a precious lady and will be missed.