Gail Dial

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. -- Mary Gail Dial, age 71, was born on Dec. 21, 1945, in Piggott, Ark., to Verian Paul and Mary Afton Ellis. She died Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Verian Paul and Mary Afton Ellis; her brother, John Richard Ellis.

She is survived by her husband, Harold Dial; her son Paul (Melissa) Dial of Tonganoxie, Kan.; her daughter, Christy (Steve) Dial-Clayton of Jackson, Miss.; and her four grandchildren, Noah Dial, Mary Kate Dial, Walker Clayton and Menley Clayton.

As a child, Gail's family moved to Portageville. While picking cotton she caught the eye of her high school sweetheart. They were married the day of the "Great Bootheel Blizzard," Dec. 22, 1965. They moved to North Carolina while Harold was in the Marines. After Harold was discharged, they moved to Cape Girardeau, where they had their first child, Christy. In 1972, they moved back home to Portageville where they had their second child, Paul.

Gail loved her town and was very active in the church choir, woman's ministry, local PEO chapter and various school support activities. She was known for her loving, selfless and giving spirit. She was compassionate, determined, strong-willed and tenacious. Forever the optimist, she always saw the best in people and every situation. Her glass was always "half full." She was a loving and devoted wife and mother, always putting others before herself; she cherished all her family and friends. She lived a life of genuine love and gratitude. She demonstrated God's love and grace toward everyone that she encountered. Always quick with a smile and a kind word she demonstrated true joy. Her laugh lit up the room. Gail truly inspired and encouraged all of us to remember what was really important in life: to trust God's plan regardless of what adversity comes. She encouraged us to be the best versions of ourselves.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church in Portageville. The Rev. Barron Willer will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Portageville Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at delislefuneralhome.net.

Memorial contributions may be be made in her honor to: Chapter GU PEO Scholarship Fund or the First United Methodist Church of Portageville.

Paid obituary