Hilda Gay
March 18, 1927 – December 25, 2024
To all my family, friends and customers….
I have sewn my last button, bagged my last bag, hemmed my last hem and altered my last costume. All the garments are pressed and sewn just right. I have finally retired! What a wonderful way to wake up, in heaven on Christmas morning! There is no better Seamstress than Jesus Christ!
Hilda Gay lived a full and ambitious life, passing on at the age of 97. She was born in Franklin Co. to the late Junie Erick & Blanche Duke Gay. Hilda was very considerate, kind and had a heart to help anyone in need. Earlier in her life, Hilda was a Boy Scout Den Leader, Troop 524 when her boys were in scouts. She and her husband owned and operated Gay’s Cleaners beginning in 1948 until his death in 2010. She continued to operate the Cleaners until the Fall of 2022. She will be remembered as a woman of integrity and her legacy of love will be cherished in the hearts of her family and friends always. She was a very hard working woman well into her 90’s, which is proof that hard work does not hurt anyone. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and friend, Angus Wilton Gay and her twin sons, Anthony “Andy” Wilton Gay and Randy Angus Gay, and her brothers Broadis Gay and Ronald Lytchford Gay and sister, Maggie Marie Gay.
Graveside service will take place at 11:00am on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, located at 809 W. Gannon Ave., Zebulon NC.
Hilda is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Lanier and daughter in laws Laura Ann Gay and Judy Johnson Gay and brother George Lawrence Gay; her grandchildren, Inga Beck (Joe), Paxton Lanier (Kate), Jake Gay, Abigail “Abby” Goulbourne (James), Jordan Angus Gay and her great grandchildren Dyson, Keegan, Cullen, Angus and Jones – She will always be our sunshine!
Flowers are welcomed.
Contributions can be made to the Zebulon Baptist Church Children’s Christmas Fund, the Church Courtyard or the ZBC boy scout troop 524.
Zebulon Baptist Church
400 N, Arendell Avenue
Zebulon, NC 27597
Visitation will be from 3:00pm to 4:00pm on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Wendell NC.
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. www.stricklandfuneral.com.
9 Comments
God has called a very special lady that will never be forgotten not ever She was one that can never be touched by any human on this earth Many years she loved what she did in this life time really it was sad to see her retired and she didn’t want to retire we love you ❤️ and you enjoy your life in heaven Melissa Beckwith Richardson, Jesse Beckwith, Daisy Beckwith, Cero Myers, Tijuana, Kendra Richardson always in our hearts 💓 we have known you for such a long time ,know Mr Gay is happy to see you .💜🙏❤️🌹.
Cheryl,
Your mom.was one of the sweetest lady’s I’ve ever known. She always had time for.a chat when.i was a customer at the cleaners or laundromat .
Prayers for peace and comfort. Love and.hugs.
Tammy
To family of Mrs. Hilda Gay my deepest condolences to her family. She will truly be missed. God’s blessings to her family and friends.
What a wonderful Way to wake up on Christmas Day. Our love to all of you!
My most sincere thoughts and prayers are with the Gay Family. I was a long time customer of the cleaners and Mrs. Hilda was always an encouragement each visit. May she rest in eternal peace without any pain, suffering and with everlasting joy and receive her reward which she has longed for.
So sorry for your loss of Mrs Hilda. She was a special lady to the community and touched many lives over her lifetime as a business owner and friend to many. Prayers for all of you as you go through this tremendous loss for your family.
A Sweet lady. Mr Andy.,Laura and the whole family have been a huge supporter of Scouting at Zebulon Baptist Church We appreciate all the efforts and the many Patches Mrs Gay has sewn over the many years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all their family and friends
Richard Deans
Scoutmaster Troop 524
Zebulon Baptist Church
Cheryl,
Mel and I are so sorry to hear the passing of your mother. Mrs. Gay was a sweet lady. You and your family are in our prayers. Love Mel and Lori Hicks
Just heard of Aunt Hilda’s passing today. So sorry Cheryl. She was a special lady. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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