Gayle Higley

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Gayle Melzer Higley, passed away on December 1, 2024, at the age of 78, after a long illness. 

Gayle was the heart of our home and the cornerstone of our family. A devoted wife for 49 years to her soulmate, Howard (Butch) Higley, who preceded her in death, Gayle cherished their life together. She dedicated her life to raising three children—Krista Sandoval (Antonio), Clint Higley, and Mary Nell Higley-Summy (Robert)—in a loving home where independence and kindness were always encouraged. She was a caring grandmother to Isabelle, Hannah, and Elijah, affectionately known as the “fun grandma,” always making summer beach trips and spoiling them with love and attention. As the matriarch of our family, Gayle’s warmth, love, and guidance touched everyone around her. 

Gayle is also survived by her loving siblings, Warren Melzer (Cindy), Jamie Melzer Sr. (Connie), Molly Bolden (Dane), and Amy Huff (Mike). She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her legacy of love and family will live on in our hearts forever.

Funeral service will 10 AM Monday, December 9, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Marianna with Rev. Vince Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family will receive friends from 9 AM until the time of funeral.