Shirley Gayle Obituary

Shirley Elizabeth Heningburg Gayle, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and service. A native of Whistler, Alabama, Shirley was the third child born to the late Susie Gladys (West) Heningburg and Leo "Tobe" Heningburg.

Shirley was a woman of deep faith and active service. She was a devoted member of St. Bridget's Catholic Church, where her spiritual life flourished. She served her community as a longtime member of the Knights of St. Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court No. 1, Phi Delta Kappa Teacher's Sorority, St. Katherine Drexel Society at St. James Major Catholic Church, and the Links Bridge Club.

A lifelong learner and passionate educator, Shirley was educated in the Mobile County Public School System completing high school at Mobile County Training School and earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Tuskegee Institute. She later obtained a Master's in Special Education from the University of Michigan and went on to teach special education at CF Vigor High School for many years. At Vigor, she also served as the sponsor of the Friends of Exceptional Children (FEC), advocating for inclusion and empowerment. Her classroom was more than a place of learning-it was a sanctuary of encouragement, patience, and possibility.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Susie Gladys West Heningburg and Leo "Tobe" Heningburg; her cherished sisters, Leotha Heningburg Foster and Florita Heningburg Trenier, sister-in-law Gwendolyn Gayle, brothers-in-law Col. Adolph Bernard Gayle (Retired), Dr. Lebaron Foster, and Jerome Trenier; mother-in-law Bennice Johnson Gayle, father in law Leo Carl Gayle, Sr., cherished nephew Kelvin Gayle, and her beloved grandson, Etienne Marquis Murray.

Shirley's life was a testament to grace, resilience, and compassion. She will be remembered for her unwavering devotion, her gentle spirit, and the boundless love she gave to her family, her students, and her community. Her memory lives on through those who loved her deeply; her loving and devoted husband of over 67 years, Leo Carl Gayle, Jr., four children Sherrita Gayle Williams, Dr. Carla Gayle, Leo (Terree) Gayle, III, and Dr. Benjamin (Linda) Gayle, sisters-in- law, Lynette Gayle, Tracey (Joseph) Boykin and Norma Chastang Shakoor, 13 treasured grandchildren who brought her immense joy, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, including her devoted niece, Lilia "Tweet" Foster White and a dedicated caregiver, Briggett Watkins Turner.

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