Gail Robertson Smith

September 25, 1945 - October 20, 2021

Gail is preceded in death by her parents, Wiley Howard Robertson, and Anna Dickerson Robertson. Gail is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Kelly Smith of Manchester, MO, two sisters, Jean Eaddy of Gastonia, NC, Anna Tyler (Scott) of Williamsburg, VA, and six nieces and nephews, Maryanna Myers, Brooks Eaddy, Blake Eaddy, Hunter Eaddy, Donna Callis, Lori Matthews and 13 great nieces and nephews. Gail was born September 25, 1945 in Lynchburg, VA. After graduating from Altavista, VA High School she attended Madison College in Harrisonburg, VA (now James Madison University), was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and graduated with a BS in Education. Gail earned her Master's in Education from the University of Missouri St. Louis. Gail began her teaching career in Roanoke, VA. Upon moving to St. Louis in 1970 she taught in Normandy School District (St. Louis County). However, the bulk of her teaching career was in Parkway School District (St. Louis county) beginning at South High School and continuing for 2 decades at West Middle School where she was "Teacher of the Year" in 1996-97. She stayed at the forefront of Math education and was always ready to collaborate to the benefit of fellow faculty, students and their parents. Gail was a giving and trustworthy friend to many. She was smart as a whip and a very accomplished cook and hostess. There was never a dull moment and always a gastronomic delight when Gail and Kelly entertained. Gail's home is the neighborhood meeting place. Her love and study of Ikebana allowed her to demonstrate her artistic talents both in and outside of her home. She was also a painter. Gail was a pet lover, especially dogs (Ralph, Buck, and Ben) who were all twice her size and very important companions in her life. Gail never turned down an opportunity to dog sit and volunteered at the Humane Society upon her retirement. Gail loved to travel with family and friends, making annual trips to ancestral homes in Virginia, the North Carolina mountains and the beach at Cherry Grove, South Carolina, a priority. She was integral in maintaining her family's fabric, ensuring milestones were recognized and suitably celebrated even though 800 miles separated them. Those of us who knew Gail consider it an honor that she was a part of our life. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, consider a memorial to a favorite charity, the Cancer Society, Hospice, animal shelter, or Humane Society. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Green Hill Cemetery by the Rev. Ben Horrocks. The family will be having a Celebration of Gail's life at the Days Inn in Altavista from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. following the graveside service.