Gayle Eileen Whitford, 73, passed away on December 1, 2020. She was born June 17, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio to parents John and Doreen Crowley. She was the only sister to four brothers, John “Jack”, James “Jimmy” along with “the twins” Kenneth and Dennis.
She moved to Phoenix, AZ at 9yrs old where she attended Catalina Elementary and graduated Alhambra High School, class of 65’. Gayle not only leaves us with the image of a bold, red mane of hair that matched her equally vibrant soul along with a pair of large framed sunglasses atop her head…she also leaves us with a legacy of love, strength, fairness and service to others. Gayle made a career of working in the beauty industry and valley salons to include Revlon, Broadway Southwest, With Love B’Anne and Cutters Hair. She then pursued her true passion as an esthetician at the Pointe Tocasierra Spa and Salon for almost 20 years before COVID 19 impacted their services in March. Gayle had a talent for connecting with people from all backgrounds and all walks of life while providing “good skin” and sage wisdom to all she encountered. Those of us who loved her will never forget her tenacity, wit, humor, intuition and the intense, undying love for her family and friends.
A mother lion to all of those she considered in her “pack”. She would always make time for pep talks, brain storming and needed reminders of our greatness and purpose. She was a lover of music and the first one on the dance floor. She was a true Gemini, a master storyteller, pseudo lawyer, advocate, therapist and private detective all in one spirit.
Gayle leaves behind her beloved children Aaron and Amber Heard and their father, James Heard whom she remained close to throughout her lifespan. Lest we not forget the true loves of her life and a great source of pride, her grandson’s, Savion and Harrison. Her love for them will be eternal and will be felt by
them always. Gayle touched so many of our lives in so many ways that deserve to be celebrated, but in consideration of the health and safety of others, a celebration of life service will be postponed until after the first of the year. Condolences and hugs from home maybe expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Elli (Nero) Edgar
My dear high school friend, so so sorry to hear you are gone. We have a place in our website for our departed lions and she will be placed there with the other “sleeping lions”. Gayle you will be missed by so so many. My heart goes out to the family.
Sandi DE Lellis Simon
So sorry to read of Gayle’s passing this month. She was so lovely and everyone loved her smile and red hair. I had known her since third grade at Alhambra Elementary, and then Alhambra High. She and I would chat and laugh on the bus home in grade school. I remember talking with her about biting our fingernails! Also, one day all third-graders received little New Testments. We talked about that on the bus too. We reconnected in 2005, at our 40th high school reunion, and she still had that little habit of kind of keeping her lips kind of together when she smiled and/or laughed! At that time, I believe she was working as a masseuse at a resort in north Phoenix.
God bless you all in your sorrow at her passing. I will definitely think of her often and miss her.
Karen Daley
Please know that I offer my condolences for the loss of your strong mother who had so many other good attributes, and good character. I would like to know what happened as I had spoken to her recently over the phone and wasn’t aware that she was ill. She talked about her dog, as she/he barked at something while we were on the phone. She could always make me laugh as she did for others. I attended Alhambra and graduated in the same class with her and 554 others on June 4, 1965. We hung around together immediately after high school and I went to her wedding and reception with James Heard. It was no time to visit this year, since the virus situation. I’m so glad to have known her and I will miss her.