Gail Allen Feltman, 76, of Southaven, passed away peacefully in her home on March 12, 2024. Though she was petite in stature, she was strong in spirit and faith, and extended kindness, a sweet spirit and gentle smile to all. Her well-worn Bible was never out of reach, with passages and promises underlined as a daily reminder of God's faithfulness and goodness.

Mack, her husband of 59 years, has been by her side since she was 16. The two met on a double date in March of 1964; Mack said knew Gail was "The One" the instant he saw her, and they married just four months later on July 31, 1964. They held tightly to each other throughout life's ups and downs, living, laughing and learning together, and building a lifetime of memories along the way.

Her two children and four grandchildren were the light of her life and brought her the greatest joy. She made it her mission to inspire and encourage them, to make sure each one knew just how deeply they were loved, and to teach them to believe the best in themselves and others.

Gail was an avid reader and learner who set high standards for herself and others. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a doctor, and as an adult with two children in grade school, she entered nursing school, paying for tuition with silver dollars she had saved over the years. Gail excelled in throughout her career, transitioning from bedside care to administration and retiring with 32 years of service with Baptist Memorial Healthcare.

In recent years, although Gail bravely battled Alzheimer's, she never lost her ability to smile and bring joy to others. This was a difficult journey for her as well as those she loved. However, the days were made sweeter thanks to the compassionate care of Breanna King, Peggy Wolfe, Tara Lawson and Marilynn Jones, as well as Ms. Brenda Strong of Spring Valley Hospice.

Gail was born in Jackson, Tenn. on May 28, 1947. She is preceded in death by her parents, Faye Duck McBride of Memphis and James Allen of Parsons, Tenn., as well as her dear mother- and father-in-law, Gertrude and Gilbert Feltman of Hodges, Ala., who loved her as their own.

Gail is survived by her husband, McKinley (Mack) Feltman, daughter Nicole Feltman Ritchie, and son Brigadier General Damon (Wendy) Feltman; grandchildren Austin Feltman, Reagan (Austin) Stuart, Payne Ritchie, and Andrew Feltman; her brother Robert (Shirley) Allen of Riceville, Tenn. and brother-in-law Tony (Annette) Feltman of Florence, Ala.

Friends, family, and others who knew and loved Gail are invited to celebrate her life on Friday, March 15 at DeSoto Hills Baptist Church, 4680 Getwell Road, Southaven, Miss., where she and Mack have been longtime members. Visitation will begin at noon, followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. A brief graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Forest Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park East, 2440 Whitten Rd. Memphis, Tenn.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, the Beyond the Build fund at DeSoto Hills Baptist Church, or the individual's charity of choice.