Gayle Creekmore Perkins peacefully passed away on May 16, 2024, at the age of 80. Gayle's unwavering love and dedication to her family, her nurturing spirit, and her unique, free-spirited nature will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Born Gayle Lynn Creekmore to H.B. (Bowie) and Eunice Creekmore on July 28, 1943, she was raised in Baytown, Texas, and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1961. She attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a B.A. in English and a minor in History in 1965. Gayle had a passion for learning and sharing her knowledge with others. A true educator at heart she taught school at MacArthur High School in San Antonio and Northwest Academy in Houston. She also substituted in Goose Creek ISD and in her later years worked at the Extended Day program at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School.

After receiving a calling to the Presbyterian ministry, Gayle attended seminary at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary where she formed a unique bond with a group of women that named themselves the Sacred Sisters, supporting one another through seminary and beyond. Gayle was ordained in 1998, and became a pastor, leading the congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Seminole for almost 10 years. Her decision to follow her calling and become a Presbyterian minister exemplified her deep sense of purpose, her unwavering faith, and her dedication to serving others.

She retired in 2005 and moved to The Woodlands, Texas, to be near her son and grandchildren. She joined Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church where she assisted in Vacation Bible School, the ESL program, and most recently led a women's bible study group. It is said her bible lessons were profound and touched the lives of the women in the group. She also loved to play bunco with a group of church friends.

Gayle's genuine love for her family was evident in every aspect of her life. Her proudest achievement was being a devoted mother to her only son, Lance. She loved nothing more than attending his games for all the sports he played and cheering for him and his friends. Her home was always open to all, and Lance's friends felt right at home with Gayle just one of the crew.

Her other beloved role was being a grandmother, Mama Gayle, to Jacob, Zachary, Grant and Anna. They were truly the loves of her life. Gayle always attended as many events as she physically could to support all of her grandchildren in their activities. She loved having sleepovers, playing games, watching Animal Planet, going out to eat, and just being in their company. Gayle's impact on their lives was profound and far-reaching.

Gayle's unique spirit and zest for life were truly one of a kind. From her love of music and her beautiful voice to her passion for birding and her adventurous spirit, she embraced life with joy and enthusiasm. She was a former member of the Baytown Community Chorus and the Westminster Presbyterian Church choir in Baytown. She also formed a quartet in the late 80s with three friends performing as nuns at the Renaissance Festival and madrigal singers at Dickens on the Strand in Galveston.

Gayle is survived by her son, Lance Raper and daughter-in-law, Amy Peden Raper, grandsons, Jacob, Zachary, Grant, and granddaughter Anna, of The Woodlands.

As we mourn the loss of Gayle, we find solace in the memories of her love, laughter, and unwavering support. Her legacy will continue to inspire and comfort those whose lives she touched. Though she may no longer be with us, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

All are invited to celebrate Gayle's life at a memorial service honoring her on Saturday, June 15th at 10:00 AM at The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church, with a private interment at Memory Gardens in Baytown. A link to live stream the service will also be available on the church's website, wcpc-tx.org.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to the Presbyterian Disaster Relief with checks made out to Presbyterian Church (USA) noting DR000148 in the memo section, and mail to Presbyterian Church (USA), P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA, 15264-3700, or call (800) 728-7228.