Gail Lavonne Hires was born on October 12, 1955 in Jacksonville, Florida to Willie Lee Hires and Josephine Neal. Gail accepted Christ at the early age of eight years old as she united with Little Rock Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend W.C. Mitchell. Years later

Gail joined Sweetfield Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a member of District 2 under the leadership of Reverend R.R. Russ.

Gail attended school in Jacksonville, receiving her diploma from Andrew Jackson Senior High School as a part of the Graduating Class of 1973. After attending Florida Junior College for a year, she soon met Lewis Holly and later gave birth to two children, Torin and Tamera.

Gail loved her children dearly and did everything in her power to provide for them. She worked at University Hospital in the Medical Records Department for over ten years. Gail also drove buses for the Duval County Public Schools for well over an additional ten years.

Gail became a grandmother which was one of the highlights of her life. Around the same time some of her illnesses began, but it did not stop her from enjoying her life and her love for her family. Her grandchildren loved her and they loved staying over her house. Before long she reduced her role at work, began focusing on her health, spending more time with family.

Gail always had jokes, she was full of life and a fun personality to be around. Surprisingly, she kept that good spirit even through some of the toughest times. On some of her weakest days she still found the strength to attend church and give God the Glory. With Dennis and family at her side she stayed strong and fought until the Lord called her home. God has taken a precious gem to live with Him in Heaven and we give Him Thanks and Praise for Gail’s sixty-one years on this earth with us.

Gail departed this life on March 20, 2017. She was preceded in death by her father, Willie Lee Hires and brother, Ronnie Davis.

Cherishing her memories and celebrating her homegoing: devoted Fiancé, Dennis Ashley; children, a devoted daughter, Tamera Hires; son, Torin Holly; mother, Josephine Neal; sisters, Sharon Neal and Fay Jones; brothers, Gerald(Joanne) Hires, Clayton (Lisa) Hires, Andre Hires, Jeffery Hires, and Bruce Hires; grandchildren, Torin Holly; Jazmyne Robinson, Kareem Hobbs, Joshua Johnson, Riley Johnson, and Precious Ford; special niece, Apriel Neal; goddaughter, Latoya Smith; extended family, The Harleys; lifelong friends, Gloria Smith and Barbra Hurley; a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends.

The funeral service for GAIL HIRES will be held 11:00 AM SATURDAY March 25, 2017 at the Sweetfield Baptist Church, 1365 Harrison St. The visitation will be held 5-7 PM Friday, at the mortuary. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of T. S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234

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