Gail Sanders Castleberry went home to the arms of her Lord in the early morning hours of May 5, 2013, at her home in Poulan, GA surrounded by her loved ones.
Funeral services were held at Banks Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM on Wednesday May 8, 2013 with Reverend Bill Forde and Pastor Milford McClain officiating. Interment followed at Tempy Cemetery.
Gail fought a courageous battle with liver cancer, surviving over 10 years after her diagnosis. In her quiet way she set an example of courage and faith for others inflicted with cancer to follow. She never complained throughout the many tests, treatments, and days of feeling badly, but soldiered on helping others in need, getting to know her grandsons and spending valuable time with her family. She gave comfort to her family and friends and was an inspiration to all who knew her story.
Gail was born in Sylvester, GA on August 3rd, 1956, to the late Clarence and Vernice Sanders and grew up in the Gordy community. She was said to look like her father and have the sweet personality of her mother. As a child, she was a tomboy and tried to keep up with her two older brothers, Amos and Allen.
As a teenager Gail gave her life to Christ at New Bethel Freewill Baptist Church which was pastored by the late Leroy Sapp. Her spiritual life grew and she strengthened her longtime friendships with Clari Willis Douglas and Lisa Ledford Bradshaw and their families. She was under the ministry of the late Pastor Lamar Ledford for many years at New Hope Full Gospel and New Life Tabernacle of which she was a member.
At the age of 19, she met the love of her life, Jessie Castleberry. They married and built their family. They were married 37 years on Wednesday, May 1st. Jessie and Gail had a home filled with love, laughter, and the Lord. They always welcomed people into their home. They loved camping and trips with their family, especially to the mountains. They enjoyed doing things with their family, especially their grandsons.
Gail used the talents the Lord gave her to witness by singing gospel music and playing the piano at church. Her music was joyous and inspiring. She was known for her love of talking on the telephone. She loved to read and study the Bible. She took pride in her life and work, living with a quiet dignity and such a sweet personality. She never had a harsh word for anyone. She loved her God, her family, her home, and her many friends and she was loved in return. She was one of the nicest ladies anyone could ever ask to meet. Her life was a testimony to her faith and she was a blessing to all who were blessed enough to know her.
Gail is survived by her loving husband, Jessie Allen Castleberry of Poulan; son, Jeremy Castleberry and his wife Tabatha and their sons Jadon, Parker, and Logan Castleberry, all of Sylvester; daughter, CSSR Christan Castleberry, US NAVY stationed in Norfolk, VA, and also of Poulan; brothers, Allen (Sara) Sanders and Amos (Wendy) Sanders, all of the Gordy community; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Herbert and Addie Mae Castleberry; sisters-in-law, Lorrie Dennington, Debra (Lon) Eason, and Mary (Tim) Brown; brother-in-law, Jim Castleberry; a special cousin, Penny (Dennis) Daniel; special friends including Clari and Delbert Douglas, Lisa and Ronnie Bradshaw, Linda and Bobby Odom, Larry and Tracy Ledford, Bubba and Grace McKinnon, her family from New Life Tabernacle, her Hospice nurse Gennie Spears, and many nieces and nephews.
For those desiring, memorials may be made to New Life Tabernacle Building Fund, P.O. Box 246, Sylvester, GA 31791; Southern Care Hospice, 412 1st St S.E., Moultrie, GA 31768; or the charity of your choice.
Serving as pallbearers were Leroy Brown, Tim Brown, Lon Eason, James Johnson, Larry Ledford, Jason Bradshaw, Allen Sanders and Chris Sanders.
Sign our online guest registry at www.banksfh.com.
Banks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
