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JoBeth Howell posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, October 19, 2020
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I don’t know how many people still look on here..
You know... it’s been 10 years now. I just turned 19 years old. It has been 10 years and almost 4 months that you’ve been gone. It feels like it’s been longer but then again, it feels like it’s only been minutes.. I still don’t know how to cope, to be honest. I mean, I’ve learned how to help it and I have grown up A LOT since I was 8 years old. But I still don’t know how to live in a world where my mother doesn’t exist. I think about her every second of every minute, of every day of every week, of every month and year. It’s hard to explain. Not a lot of people have had this occur to them but, I understood back then what happened that night. I was there and Dad was there, nobody else. I performed CPR on my mother. I didn’t even know what CPR was, I just copied what Daddy was doing. But I was intelligent enough to know what had happened and why. I know what happened to her, I was right in front of her. An arms reach away from her.
I never healed. I will never heal. However, I do know that she is still with me and I know that she is happy. She’s not even entirely gone.. I like to think that she is just away. I’ve made my peace with it as much as I can. No matter what age you are, after something like this, you’re never the same again. Not just because it was my mom and I was only 8. Mainly because it was a tragedy. It was an unpreventable tragedy. It wasn’t in a hospital filled with doctors, we didn’t say “goodbye” or “I love you”. It was just a tragedy. One minute, everything is scary and then the next, it’s just eerie silence. It’s never something you can just get over. I will always remember that morning, for the rest of my life. It’s like a life process and just an endless cycle of grieving. I have to admit though, it does get a little easier after time. A lot of time!
I wish we got to do the things that mothers and daughters are supposed to do. I wish we got the chance to hang out, go out to eat, go shopping, cook together, dance and sing, talk late at night until the sun comes up, laugh until cry and cry until we laugh, and a million other things we missed out on.
But it’s all alright because we will one day. I know she’s happy and she feels better. She is the most beautiful, strongest woman I’ll ever know. Beautiful inside and out. I also know she’s singing her heart out and dancing her feet off all night long. I can’t wait till the moment we can both dance and sing together. Even if we look like our dancing needs a little work! After 10 years, I can say now that I still hurt just as much as I feel better.
I love you with all my heart Mama, more than you’ll ever know. I miss you with every piece of me that’s still left. Oh, I miss you so so much..
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The family of Angela Gale Atkins Howell uploaded a photo
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
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Jill Garrett posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
I can't believe it has been 4 years you've been gone. I still miss you every day. I love you!
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Jo Beth Howell posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
It has been 1year since Mama died.My Dad and I miss her VERY much.I just want to say" I LOVE HER ". Love You Lots, Jo Beth Howell
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Jill Garrett posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
Dear Gale, it's hard to believe you passed away one year ago today. You always loved life & were larger than life, in a good way. I miss you so!! I went to your grave this morning. There will never be another friend in my life like you were to me. I want everyone to understand that they need to be careful regarding health issues that they think "can wait". I know you thought they would just dismiss you, again, finding it to be nothing serious. I wish we had known how serious your situation was. We would have made you go to the ER. For those who don't know - the cause of your death was that the membrane covering your heart burst. That happened since you had pneumonia in the lower lobe of your right lung which was taxing your heart and lungs - and finally took it's toll on your heart. It hurts me for Gary and Jo Beth that they have the memories of you actually dying in front of them. However, in a way, I'm sure that was meant to be. You 3 were always together & in the end, God made sure you were together then. I will never forget us. I love you and miss you every day. Your VBFF, Jill
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Cara Lyn Lam (Cara Knight) posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
With deepest sympathy at this time to Gail's family. Sincerely,
Cara (Knight) Lam
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Jamie Babb Ricketts posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
Gale had a voice like an angel. I enjoyed her dry sense of humor. I wish I had known her in the years since high school....my mom was so sad to hear of her passing. May God comfort you through this difficult time. Sincerely,
Jamie (Babb) Ricketts
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Traci Walker posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
My thoughts and prayers are with Gail's family and friends. We graduated together from LHS and I always liked being around Gail. She had a good personality and an incredibly beautiful voice. She will be missed. Love and Prayers! Traci
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Karen Hobson posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
I met Gail when I transferred to LHS in 1981. She was a very sweet girl and always had a sense of humor. I lost touch with Gail through the years except when she sang at my church during revival a few years ago. She had the most beautiful voice and was so sincere in what she sang. To her family: I am so sorry for your loss. I know this is a really tough times and words cannot express what you must be feeling. I pray that God will comfort you during this time and wrap His arms around you. Take comfort in knowing that Gail can now use that beautiful voice to sing with the angels in heaven.
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Gary Ligon posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
Gale and I lived across from each other for a time when we were kids. We were in a singing group together in high school dubbed Ward 8, although her talents soooo far exceeded my own....I loved her like a sister and as is so often the case I regret that we had lost touch over the years....Heaven gains another vocalist in its choir, and we are all better to have known and heard her...I love you, Gale, and you will truly be missed...my deepest sympathy to Rex Sr., Jane, Rex Jr. Michelle and the rest of her family in this trying time...
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Michael Denny posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
Known Gail all my life,from elem.school-high school. She was such a wonderful person with the most beautiful voice ! I am so glad I had the honor to know her. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends in the time of need. God Bless !!!
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Amy Huffines posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
I grew up with Gail in church. Just Sunday I was sharing some old photos with my Dad and Gail was in one of those photos. She had such a talent of singing and a sweet spirit about her. My thoughts and prayers go out to Rex Sr, Jane, Rex Jr., Michelle, and the rest of her family at this time. Each moment of love will live forever in your heart. God Bless and My Deepest Sympathy to all. Love, Amy (Henry)Huffines.
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Mary Ann Tribble Taylor posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
Gale and I grew up together, we were the best of friends! She was my Maid of Honor in mine and Mark's wedding and sang with her beautiful voice! Her home and family growing up was my second home and my home and family was her second home. I will miss my friend very much, but I find alot of comfort knowing she is in Heaven singing with the other Angels. I Love You Gale!
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Becky martin posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
Gale my best friend from first grade to the sixth grade... we was always together, And if i wasnt spending the night at her house she was at mine. She was always trying to help me with my home work and spelling for you might see in this message i still need wk on my spelling. From playing Starchey and Hutch to Charlie Angels,,, to singing in my basement . i would be the announcer and say Ladys and Gentlemen give a hand for Ms Gale Atkins...what a beauiful voice...only if I could hear you sing... My heart is full of pain...after all these years we would still call and wish each other a Happy Birthday..of course Gale would sing to me.. and say you will always be older than me.... We refered our friendship to the movie Beaches . and Gale you are my Wind Beneath My Winds" So fly, fly , fly away . Did you ever know that you;re my hero!! I would be nothing without you, Thank GOD thank God for you... I will miss you my friend..
love becky martin
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Charles Eric Johnson posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
Gale, I and another friend of ours, used to write , play and record music several years back. She was very talented in all of those areas, as well as being a very dear person. There are no telling how many songs we wrote together, and we always had to make her sing!! (She was our drummer too by the way !) God bless.
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Penny Farley posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
So sorry sad to hear the news about Gale. Reading the other messages that have been left has triggered great memories. I haven't seen Gale but a time or two since high school. There is not one thought of her that doesn't included smiles and laughter. My love to Rex and all the family. Penny (Hawks) Farley
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Angela Lalonde posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
I can remember being out Michele's house and getting Jane to play the piano and Gale to sing. She had such a beautiful voice and Jane could play so good. I can remember Gale coming to the house to spend the night with Becky and them two playing Starsky and Hutch. They were something else. Michele and I were good friend and so was our sisters. Even though the years have gone by they are still a part of my family. I am so sorry that the family has to go through this pain but we know that some day we will meet with her again. I love yall! Angela Martin Lalonde
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Marilenea Jordan Brown posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
Gale truly had the voice of an angel. She could certainly send chills up and down you when she sang. What an incredible gift she had! I know she will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to her family. May God be with you, comfort you, and strengthen you during this most difficult time. I know for certain she's now singing in Heaven with all the other angels.
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Laurie Gentry Hemontolor posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
Gale sure did help me through some of the rough teen years! Amy and I were not that easy to keep up with.She always sang I will always love you to me when I was sad @ the age of 16 until 2 months ago! Thank You for all our late night teen talks and for being there for me. You took me under your wing and helped my fly in to an adult! Thank and I will always love you too!
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Kim Pulliam Binkley posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
The voice and heart of an angel. When we went riding around I would always turn the radio off and ask Gale just to sing, I could listen to that beautiful voice endlessly. Good times, good memories. I regret that we lost touch over the last 20 years, I'll miss you my friend but I will always remember you and all the fun we had (and the trouble we got into).
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Jim Canfield posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
I have known gale since she was about 12. I'll always remember her beautiful singing voice. I always thought she would go far. She is the little sister I never had and she will be sorely missed.
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Melissa Johnson Sweeton posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
Was saddened to hear that Gale's beautiful voice had been silenced. I have many fond memories of her singing on the back porch at my in-laws back in the 80's. My prayers go out to all of her loved ones. So very sad...
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Susan (Fanchier) Raswmussen posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
My heart breaks to hear of this loss. Gale was a freind like no other. The light of life that shined from her will be missed. The blessing she bestowed on all of us will never be forgoten. To Rex, Jane, Michelle, and Rex, my thoughts are with you. To all of the people that Gale touched our life, we will miss her but our memories will keep her with us forever. I love you Gale!
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Carlos Johnson posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
To say that Gale was a kind and gentle spirit would be an understatement. My heart is aching over this loss. If you were her friend, you were a friend for life. She always seemed to know the "inner person" inside everyone, and that's how she saw you. There was never any pretense.. there were never any judgments... only love, respect and true friendship. How many of your friends can you truly say that about? And that VOICE..... Heaven is now a much sweeter place, and I can't wait 'til I hear her singing again! My thoughts & prayers are with her close friends and family, as well as our extended family from LHS.
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Beverly Stoneman posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
I am still trying to grasp that one of the kindest and most beautiful people that I have ever known is gone. We had some times in school....but mostly after school. She sang like an angel and was there for me at times when nobody else knew and she never said a word. What a friend! My heart goes out to her family and the rest of her friends that will miss her terribly. I hope she meets up with my brother, Timmy, and they make beautiful music together. Rex, if you ever need anything please call me (or the rest of her family)...still the only Stoneman in the book. I hate that missed the last year without Gayle in my life. She will be missed!!!
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Rod (Rodney) Taylor posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
I'm so saddened by the loss of our dear friend Gale. Despite the years that have passed, memories of time spent with her are some of my fondest (and funniest). If not for her calming influence on me and my inept driving, she and I might still be lost and wandering around North Nashville enroute to a concert at The Municipal Auditorium. Thankfully our friendship survived the ordeal. "When I think of home, I think of a resting place - a place where there's peace, quiet, and serenity and that's where some of my friends have gone - friends who have traveled with me through my wonderful experience in Oz - a journey I'll never forget" from "The Wiz"
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Ron & Pam Osbon posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
We are so sorry to hear of Gail's passing. I cherish the times we were able to minister in song to others together. She will always be remembered by us. Please let us know if we can do anything for you in this time sorrow. Love,
Ron & Pam Osbon
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LANDON SMITH posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
I WAS SO SAD TO HEAR OF GAIL'S PASSING. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE PERSON WITH AN INCREDIBLE VOICE. BUT EVEN MORE SHE HAD AN INCREDIBLE MOTHER WHO COULD PLAY THE PIANO LIKE NO OTHER. I REMEMBER AS A CHILD TAKING PIANO LESSONS AND EVERY TIME I SAW JANE PLAYING THE PIANO I WOULD JUST HOPE THAT I COULD PLAY LIKE THAT SOME DAY. IT IS TRULY OBVIOUS FROM READING ALL OF THE COMMENTS ON HERE THAT SHE TOUCHED SO MANY PEOPLES LIVES IN SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS. THAT IS SO RARE TODAY. I AM ALSO TOUCHED BY THE FACT THAT SO MANY PEOPLE FROM MY HIGH SCHOOL ( LHS ) HAVE STAYED CONNECTED OVER THE YEARS. MY HEART GOES OUT TO REX, JANE AND GAIL'S FAMILY. AS SO MANY OTHERS HAVE SAID ON HERE THERE IS ANOHTER WONDERFUL VOICE THAT HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE CHOIR IN HEAVEN.
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Jill Garrett posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
This is the first time I've been able to bring myself to view these pages. It is so sweet & wonderful that everyone remembers Gale's beautiful voice & beautiful spirit. She & I were best friends since I was 17 & she was 16. We became family over the years. I learned so much from Gale - not just by her awesome voice, but by her gentle, non-judgmental spirit. You were always there for me. And, I hope & pray that was the way you remember us too. I've been around Jo Beth as much as possible. She is beautiful, smart & talented. She is always on the honor roll. We share stories of you. So do Gary & I. Recently we decorated your grave. I had no voice in what was done for your final "arrangements". You know if I did, I would have honored you in such a way that nodoby would have ever forgotten. I will always love you. I miss you everyday. I know Heaven has the most wonderful choir with you in it. Please be with me (if you can) - I miss us talking everyday. Say hello to Nicholas & my mama & daddy - also to Mamie, Sissy, Mattie Lou, Louise & the whole gang. I love you my BEST FRIEND. I miss you constantly. What a beautiful pure heart you had. I will never again have a friend like you. Until we meet again....
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Jo Beth Howell posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
My Mom has loved me ever since I have been born,and I have too.we have been friends,& mother & daughter.she has allways been loving & caring to me.me & my dad miss her,and love you.we can amagen what it is like up there.all we got to say is we love and miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love, Jo Beth & Gary Howell and Family
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Lisa Waynick posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
Gale was so much fun! In high school, we sang together, acted in school plays and had a class or two together and she was an inspiration to me back then! She had such an awesome voice and I could listen to her play and sing forever! The thing that I admired about Gale was her independent spirit and her humility about her obvious tallent. She knew, at that young age, who she was and she shared her gifts with us with joy and we were blessed by her. I know she will be missed by her husband and children as she will by her friends. I am sad to hear she has left us behind. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. In love and admiration, Lisa (Thomas) Waynick
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LeAnne Rollins Hudson posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
So Sad my prayers are with the family
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Tammy Hibdon Hall posted a condolence
Thursday, May 12, 0001
I too agree with others that Gail had a beautiful voice, but she also had a beautiful Spirit. She was on loan to us from Our Heavenly Father and He allowed us a small sample of the angelic voice that He will now hear in His Courts for all of eternity. I ask that the One and Only Comforter be with all of her family and give them the comfort that only He can give. I count it a blessing to have known Gail!!
