Gail Frances Smith

October 11, 1939 - April 21, 2018

Gail Frances Smith (nee Wheaton) of Lexington, South Carolina died peacefully in her sleep at home on April 21, 2018, after a six-year battle with colon cancer. She was 78 years old. Gail was born on October 11, 1939 in Somerville, MA, the fourth of five children of George Wheaton III and Laura Frances Johnson. She graduated from Somerville High School and later earned an Associate’s degree from Tarrant County Community College in Texas. Gail ran several successful businesses and, at age 40, joined the Navy Reserve, retiring as Yeoman First Class after 20 years, in 1999. At the same time Gail joined the Navy, she began working for the Federal Aviation Administration, retiring in 1999 as a GS-12 contracting officer. Despite her many accomplishments, she always found time to give back to the community, spending 28 years with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She was very active with Ecclesia COGIC in Columbia, SC, even finding time to assist with summer feeding programs while fighting colon cancer. She will be remembered as a loving mother, highly accomplished worker and an admired and inspirational member of many communities. Gail is survived by her children: Eryk Ronald of Stone Mountain, GA, Gary Martin of Arlington, TX, and Gregory Marshall of Lexington, SC; her daughter-in-law Katrina Jarvis-Smith of Stone Mountain, GA; granddaughter Tondalaya Brown of Statesboro, GA; sister Shirley Skaggs of Elizabethtown, KY; and brother George Wheaton IV of Somerville, MA. In addition, she will be missed by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Condolences can be sent to 533 Sharpe Road, Columbia, SC 29203. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to South Carolina Oncology Associates in Columbia, SC.