Iris Elizabeth “Beth” Gay
Beth Gay, 82, died peacefully in her sleep, March 16, 2024, at Oak Hills Terrace Memory Care in Tyler, Texas. As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, she loved her family dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn Ella Alberta Werner and Elmer Carl Gainey, her sister, Mary Patricia Gainey, and her husband of 51 years, Robert “Bob” Allen Gay.
Born October 2, 1941, in Houston, Beth excelled in school, graduating from Southern Methodist University and later University of Texas with her master’s degree. For many years, she worked as an elementary school educator, teaching first graders how to read and write. She also worked as an assistant principal for Beaumont Independent School District before retiring in 2007.
She loved her pets (fur babies), shopping for all things collectable, painting and other creative activities, playing Bridge, and trips to her family cabin in Ruidoso, New Mexico. After retirement she traveled to many parts of the world including Africa, Germany, China, Alaska and Ireland. She had a special heart for children, people of different cultures and countries, and animals big and small.
Beth was a life-long member of the church and often said she could not remember a time when she was not a believer in Christ. She was a faithful member of First Christian Church in Beaumont and later in Tyler, and a beloved member of the Texas Christian Ashram family. In her final days, listening to older hymns brought her comfort and lifted her spirits.
Survivors include her son Robert Gay and his wife, Teresa, of Seabrook, TX; daughters Jennifer Wills and her husband, Phillip, of Henderson, TX; Christi Golden and her wife, Duana, of Wimberly, TX; grandchildren, Stephanie Price and her wife, Shanna, of Arp, TX; Tabitha South and her husband, Harrison, of Richardson, TX; Hannah Bunn and her husband, Jason, of Tyler, TX; Grace Gay of Houston, TX; Taylor Gay of Seabrook, TX; Hunter Gay of Seabrook, TX; and Avery Golden of Wimberly, TX; and several great-grandchildren and others who affectionately called her Nonny.
The family extends a special thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Oak Hills Terrace Memory Care, Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County Day Club, and Kindful Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Beth.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of Tyler 4202 S. Broadway Ave. Tyler, Texas 75701; Texas Christian Ashram 400 Harkins Ln. Marshall, Texas 75672; or Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith Co. 3531 S. Broadway Ave. Tyler, Texas 75701.
A memorial service for Beth will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, in the sanctuary at First Christian Church, 4202 S. Broadway Avenue, Tyler, with a reception to follow in the Disciples Hall.
Cremation arrangements for Beth were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.
What a beautiful, precious friend found in Beth Gay. She had such insight, patience, an artistic eye/view of the world, a deep love and pride of her family, unconditional love shown to all she encountered, and I am so incredibly grateful for the kindness and friendship that she shared over the years. Much love to you Jennifer, Robert and your families as you grieve the loss of sweet Beth on this earth.
Beth and I worked together at Caldwood. She was a lovely lady, a dear friend, and an excellent role model for all the staff. I send my deepest sympathy to her family.
Orvalee Husband
Dear Robert,
I remember your mother so well with fondness. Not only were we involved with the start up of soccer in Beaumont, but we served on the board of Some Other Place. She has earned her angel wings.
What a beautiful woman through and through! Her legacy is strong and lives on. She beat us to heaven. What a glorious time for her? I can only imagine.
For her family, I am so sorry for your loss.
It was an honor, joy, and blessing to have been Beth’s Pastor for several years. What an encouragement and incredible gift she was to this “very green” new Pastor of First Christian Church, Beaumont. As Chair of the Elders and Education Chair, she did so much to faithfully serve her church and to guide me on this new path of ministry. Beth’s gifts of leadership and generosity were a blessing to so many including her students, teacher friends, and church family. Her season as Chair of the Elders at First Christian Church, Beaumont and Director of Children’s Ministries was a gift to this very “.green” new Pastor. May Beth’s much adored family, friends, former students, and fellow teachers and administrators be comforted in knowing how much you were loved. She will be greatly missed, yet remembered with deep gratitude and love for the gift of her life that greatly enriched ours. Beth’s kindness and generosity blessed us. Her love and devotion to God, her church, her students, and God’s creation were great examples to us. Beth was a blessing to planet earth and to each of us. God bless you Beth on this new journey through the universe and the heavenlies. I will look forward to “catching up” with you someday, but until then, we will try to continue to share your love and light. Give Bob a hug for me.
Just the fact that she loved children and animals says it all! She traveled the world and was very kind to everyone, really love the picture of her! Looks like it could have been taken in ruidoso
Sending love and prayers to the family of our beloved Mrs. Gay. – Phyllis R. Smith RN -Caldwood School Nurse (Retired)
We are so sorry for your loss.
Harfon had heart surgery two weeks ago and we cannot attend Beth’s funeral.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Linda