Marigale DeLoach Harrison

Marigale "Gayle" DeLoach Harrison, a lifelong Tennessean known for her warmth, intellect, and unwavering dedication to family and community, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born in Madison County on January 22, 1940, Gayle was the beloved daughter of William Rooker DeLoach and Maxine Simmons DeLoach. She was preceded in death by her parents; her cherished grandparents, William Thomas and Pauline Dungan DeLoach, and Almond Preston (A.P.) and Pearl Mansfield Simmons-fondly known to Gayle as "Mom Pearl."

Gayle shared 60 devoted years of marriage with her husband, Dr. Nelson Cresap Harrison, Jr. Together they raised three sons. She was preceded in death by her middle son, Paul Hunter DeLoach Harrison, in 2015. She is survived by her eldest son, Nelson C. "Trey" Harrison III and his wife Moira of Oakland, TN, and her youngest son, William Edward Hayden Harrison and his wife Monica. She was a proud and loving "G.G." to her granddaughters, Brooke and Baylee of Atoka, TN.

Gayle was the only daughter among six siblings and treasured her five brothers: William Preston (Mary) of Jackson, TN; Jerry Benton (Judy) of Humboldt, TN; Mickey (Olivia) of Medina, TN; Dr. John (Caroline) of Knoxville, TN; and Capt. (Ret.) Harry Simmons (Jennie) of Jackson, TN. The family farm trucks once bore the proud title, "DeLoach Boys Farms and Gayle," a tribute to her unique role in the family.

At age 14, Gayle began hosting Gayle's Show on W.I.R.J. in Humboldt, a radio program beloved by students across West Tennessee. For four years, she brought music and connection to the region through song requests, and even decades later, people would still ask, "Are you the Gayle from Gayle's Show?" She fondly remembered it as a golden time in radio and remained a passionate fan of 1950s music throughout her life.

Gayle graduated from Lambuth College in 1962 and later earned her Master's Degree in Counseling from Memphis State (now the University of Memphis). She was a pioneer in the field of school counseling, writing and securing one of the first grants to launch an elementary school guidance program in West Tennessee. Beginning in 1986, she served three schools and over 1,200 students with empathy and dedication.

An active civic leader, Gayle served on the Humboldt Planning Commission and was elected to the Humboldt School Board, where she acted as legislative liaison to the Tennessee Legislature. She played a vital role in preserving Humboldt Elementary School, a historic landmark in the community.

Gayle's greatest joy in life was raising her sons. She was ever-present in their lives-from school pickups to scouting activities and late-night chats after dates. One of her sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, a point of great pride.

Her hobbies reflected her creative spirit and love of beauty. An accomplished calligrapher, she hand-lettered thousands of wedding invitations over the years-at one point completing 1,500 in a single spring. Her passion for gardening was inspired by visits to Japanese gardens in San Francisco and the landscapes of Sorrento, Italy. She was also an avid reader, a skilled cook long before health-conscious meals became trendy, and an enthusiastic participant in the Eighteen Book Club, a bridge club, and a tennis group.

Gayle gave generously of her time to the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival and was an active member of First United Methodist Church, where she served on various committees and taught Sunday School.

Her grace, generosity, and genuine interest in others touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the community she served so faithfully.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Ridgecrest Cemetery in Jackson, TN.