In Memoriam: Marcelle Lewis Gile
DECEMBER 24, 1924 – JULY 9, 2022
Marcelle Lewis Gile, “Marcey” died peacefully at the Alice and O’Neal Douglas Center for Caring at Baptist Medical Center on July 9th, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 97.
She is survived by her daughter Kathy Hamilton Plath (Matt), her grandchildren; Joshua Stearns Elizabeth), Beth Ann Young (Russell), Christian Harden (Stephanie), Ansley Busch, Blake Harden, Brooke Michaelis (William); and great grandchildren Wyatt, Tristan, Miles, Mackenzie, Arlen, Zoey, Samantha, Barrett, Huntley, George and Wells.
Preceded in death by husbands Harry W. Lewis and William C. Gile, daughter, Donna Lewis Stearns and brothers William and U.C. Lundy.
Marcey was born on December 24, 1924 in Myakka, Florida to William David and Annie Mae English Lundy. She was the apple of her father’s eye! She grew up in Bradenton and enjoyed helping him in his General store “Marcelle’s” in Palmetto. She was always close to her mother and made many trips to visit her through the years.
She graduated from Bradenton High in 1942. Following graduation, she took a big leap and left home for Washington, D.C. with her cousin Lourine. She worked in the Office of the Quartermaster General during the war and made many friends. While on a double date with someone else she met Harry Lewis and before the evening ended he asked for her phone number. They quickly became a couple and after a brief courtship the two were married in D.C. in 1947. They lived in Landover Hills, MD and then moved to Florida to be near her family. They were blessed with two daughters, Donna and Kathy. Marcey and Harry shared 38 years of love together. Harry passed away in 1985. A few years later Marcey met Bill Gile at a dance. She always said that “she fell in love with his feet first!” After one date, Bill said he knew that she was the one for him. He proposed in a poem one week later. They married in 1989 and shared the second chapter of their lives together. They loved to visit Taylor Manor entertaining the residents with song and dance. They sang with the Heritage Singers at Southside Baptist Church and the Celebration Choir at San Jose Baptist Church. They enjoyed ESP with the San Jose Baptist seniors, the Southside Baptist Keenagers and the Lakewood Methodist Young at Heart groups. The couple with “happy feet” danced many nights away at the local ballroom dance rooms and senior centers. Many days were spent watching over grandchildren and helping to take them to their activities. She was lovingly known as Granny. They played numerous hands of UNO with the neighborhood gang every chance they could get. What fun they had for almost 14 years! Marcey was so grateful and often commented that she was incredibly fortunate to have had two wonderful Christian husbands. After Bill’s passing in 2003, she spent much time with her friend and close companion Harold Davis. He was always a blessing to her as they shared their love of the Lord. She moved to Taylor Manor in 2018 making many new friends and soon called it “home.” Her dear friend, George Diaz helped to make her life special in her last years. Marcey’s family is especially thankful for Sharon Lauderbaugh, whose love for Marcey was shown through endless acts of service and friendship. We also thank the kind and skillful staff of Taylor Manor. She loved you all!
She was extremely proud to have been a Charter Member of San Jose Baptist Church where she worshiped and served the Lord for over 65 years. Marcey never met a stranger and always invited anyone she met to visit her church. She never missed the opportunity to attend church. Many thanks to her Deacon Gary and his wife Rita for all of the rides to and from church and their friendship. The most important thing to remember about Marcey was her love of family and faith in God. Her strong faith brought her through many difficult times. She endured serious health issues and the loss of many loved ones, but never failed to trust her Lord. Phillippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Her positive outlook and resilience was an inspiration to all. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends who loved her and will remember her as a strong woman with spunk, the gift of gab and always eager to give you a hug. We hope that her friends will join us as we celebrate a life well lived. Please feel free to wear bright colors as she always loved colorful clothing and lots of fun jewelry!
Marcey’s Celebration of Life Service was held in Taylor Hall at Oaklawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL on Sunday, July 24, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to San Jose Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society.
Brought to you by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Homes
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading... 
