Gayle Hamilton

Gayle Hamilton passed away Tuesday afternoon surrounded by her loving family she referred to as "her team." For the past two years, especially, Gayle fought with courage and determination to stay with us and has been a source of strength and happiness in spite of her health. She kept her ever positive attitude and beautiful smile with every new doctor or nurse she met. She especially loved telling people about all the new babies in her family and that there were multiple sets of twins born over the past few years. Gayle always kept her faith and had hope. So much hope. If you haven't been doing that, give it a try. Gayle graduated from Midlothian High School and was one of "The Girls of '63." These fine ladies still meet regularly and Gayle was proud to be part of that graduating class. In 1966, Gayle married Douglas Hamilton, and he has been her knight in shining armor. Actually, he has been her knight in Dickies overalls and she wouldn't have him any other way. Those two have been the epitome of love, patience, fun, support and friendship. Their love story is one for the books. Gayle served as a faithful and dedicated public servant for Tarrant County government since 1979; she worked in Voter Registration and Elections, and in Elections Administration since the department's creation in 1985. She served 24 years as Assistant Elections Administrator and one year as Interim Elections Administrator. Gayle was nationally recognized for dedication to public service, earning the Elections Certification from Election Center and Auburn University, and the Chancellor's Certificate in Public Administration from the IACREOT and the University of Missouri at St. Louis. Gayle was instrumental in conducting Tarrant County elections on more than 150 election dates with the highest level of integrity. Gayle retired on February 29, 2012. It seems to be no coincidence that her life is being celebrated and honored on the same (Leap Year) day in 2020; and no doubt a wink from above that she will be laid to rest on Tuesday, March 3rd, Election Day. She was patriot through and through and was committed to serving our community. Gayle was honored to be a Star Point in the Order of the Eastern Star (ch.#234). It is a fraternal organization dedicated to Charity, Truth and Loving Kindness. She was a member of 2 Bunco groups and had so much fun with those great friends. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Midlothian, and loved sharing the messages with others after church on Sundays. She delighted in Children's Time at church and always had a funny story about it to tell. Her large, extended family were more like immediate family and always were a source of support, love and happiness. Gayle just absolutely loved fellowship, comradery and laughter. Her faith in God was strong and she probably prayed more than we can imagine. That carried her through so many trials and tribulations; the loss of her brother, Mike Davis, parents, Alfred and Doris Davis, grandmother, Della Pearl Davis, mother and father in-law, Jack and Willie Mae Hamilton and so many beloved family members and friends. Gayle's faith and prayers seem to be stored up here, somehow sustaining her family. Her husband, Doug, daughter, Kara Hamilton, daughter and son in law, Wendy and Gerald Bray continue to feel the comfort of her fervent prayers. Gayle loved cooking and trying new recipes as well as keeping traditions alive. She enjoyed hosting get togethers at her home. She loved shopping, decorating, shopping some more, and helping people. If someone needed good, sound advice, they could call Gayle. Somehow she always knew just what to say. Gayle was strong, wise, determined, and tough. She was also gentle, endearingly innocent, humble and sweet. A unique combination of fiery happiness that could only be Gayle. She will be missed so very much by her friends & family (including her sweet dog, Honey), but the joy she exhibited in this world is exponentially multiplied at her Heavenly Home.