Gail Whisenant Towne

Gail Whisenant Towne, loving mother, daughter, friend, sister and nurse, died on Thursday, August 9th. She was one month shy of her 50th birthday, and she lived a full and joyful life despite trials to her health. She spent her last weeks and days surrounded by the many people who love her: her children, Melissa Cathleen Towne and Patrick William Towne; her parents, Bill and Joyce Whisenant; her brother and sister-in-law, Bill Whisenant and Kelly Ross and their children, Alison and Ross; and her many friends from A.A., the nursing community and Central Church.
In the months and years before she died, she enjoyed mandolin lessons, hikes with her boxer, Gracie, coffee outings with close friends, and tending to her fabulous garden. She was the great friend and counselor to many, who rallied around her at the time of her illness, and surrounded her and her family with their love.

Gail was born on September 9, 1957 in Poteau, OK and moved to Charlotte at age seven. As a child she was an avid reader and a wordsmith, getting lost in good books and writing. She attended East Mecklenburg High School, Queens College and received her Nursing degree from Central Piedmont Community College. She served patients with great skill and care in a variety of capacities at Presbyterian Hospital and Carolinas Medical Center.

Her greatest joys were her children, Melissa and Patrick. Her love, devotion and determination provided a path for them through childhood and college to adulthood.

A celebration of Gail's life will be held at Central Church of God on Monday, August 13 at 3:00 PM. The family will receive friends at the church after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Presbyterian Hospice and Palliative Care, who provided caring support during her illness, P.O. Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28254 or the charity of your choice.
The Towne family is in the care of Gaskin Services, Matthews, www.gaskinservices.com.

Published in the Charlotte Observer on 8/12/2007