Gayle Ainsley Coates was born Emma Gayle on June 30 1940 and passed away on Friday June 11 2021. She was the daughter of William Stanley Ainsley and Edna Newman Ainsley. Gayle was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years William Clayton “Abe” Coates and a lifelong resident of Chesapeake until her latter years. After graduation from Oscar Smith High School Gayle worked for ATandT for 30 years. She spent her life devoted to God and His Word, sharing her love for Christ with family and friends.
She leaves to cherish her memory daughter, Ann Coates Cherry (Chuck); grandson, Caleb Cherry; brothers, Col. William “Bill” S. Ainsley (Grace) and Dr. Howard Newman Ainsley (Carolyn). Also cherishing their Aunt Gayle are Debra Ainsley Reul (Michael) and son William, Newman Carraway Ainsley (Julia) and their daughter Mary Wells, and Lauren Ainsley Howren (Joe) and their son Ian. She is remembered fondly by many cousins and her dear friends Barbara and Ann.
The family is inviting friends to pay respects Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 1pm at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Rd. Chesapeake. A funeral ceremony will begin promptly at 2pm with Pastor Ben LoPresti officiating with burial to follow in Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Union Mission Ministries. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service if unable to attend and leave a condolence to the family.