Gaynell Holley
1935 – 2019
Anniston and Wedowee, Alabama

Mother, Nana, Gaynell was a beautiful, loving mother, nana and friend to all.  She lived a hard life most all of her life but was still a beautiful soul to all that were blessed to know and love her.
She was born to Malvena Gorman (Nanny) and had three brothers- JD, "Little" Robert and Ed.  She was removed from that home and raised by her aunt and uncle - Maude and Russell Robertson, Sr. - she had two brothers (cousins) in that home- Russell Robertson, Jr. and William Robertson.

Gaynell/Nana/Mom was always concerned for the well-being of others over her own. There wasn’t any need that anyone had that my Mom didn’t try to meet. No matter what the need may have been, she wanted to help fulfill it. She gave all of herself at all times and sacrificed her own needs and desires for the sake of those she loved. She gave willingly without question and without asking for anything in return.
She loved without condition. It didn’t matter if someone hurt her, she always looked the other way and loved the person in spite of what they had done. And she loved with her whole heart. Her love was never forced, it was just always there – no matter what. She loved us like no one else could – and it was a strong, genuine love.
She always made me and others laugh without even trying to. She would make a comment that no one expected and that comment would surely bring a smile and a laugh.
My memories are filled with fun times. Family gatherings, vacations, holidays, and even in the mundane times of life  – my Mom always made things fun. She loved to dance (especially with the Full Circle Band at the VFW), play cards and tell stories and just have a good time. She was always someone who others wanted to be around.
My Mom was a great lunchroom lady. Everyone my mother worked with loved that she was there. She knew her job, took it very seriously, and loved every minute of it. She never aspired to be more -  she was happy just where she was. She was fair and helpful – she never let anyone down. Everyone she worked with – lunchroom staff, teachers , principals – were all part of my Mom’s extended family. She genuinely loved each and every person she worked with.
My Mom was a fighter...The truth is, she didn't just become a fighter, the fighter was always in her from a young age and being removed from her home. She never gave up – she would always try to find a way – for whatever it was she was doing. She stood up for what she believed in and for those whom she loved, she took in her brother "Little Robert" at Aunt Maude's house, where she lived,  when she was 16 and took care of all of his school needs by taking an after school job. She was strong and the example that I needed to become the woman I am today.
My Mom had a beautiful spirit...When my Mom passed away the first thing I noticed about the house was that the beauty she brought to this world was missing. The love she exuded was gone. Her absence was noticeable and unshakable. Her spirit that brought others so much happiness was no longer there. I miss her every single day!