Thelma Gayle Horlander

Thelma Gayle Horlander 1936-2016 Thelma Gayle Horlander, 79, of Pensacola, Florida went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 20, 2016. She was born to parents Thomas and Thelma Friend in Friendsville, MD on December 8, 1936. Gayle was a devoted wife to her husband Don for 43 years and a loving mother to her five children. She was a fun-loving Nana to her nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren, and beloved by all. When she wasn’t playing cards with her family and friends, cooking for her loved ones, or relaxing with her dog Jilly Bean, Gayle was giving to others. She gave of her time, her prayers, her talents, and her love to better the lives around her. Gayle’s love of life, love of people, and love of God inspired everyone who knew her. She lived her life to the fullest, laughing and enjoying every minute. Her bubbly personality ensured that she was always the life of the party. Gayle never met a stranger, and everyone was welcome in her home for home-made treats and games anytime, day or night. Gayle had a passion for helping people. She founded the Sweetheart Program at the First Pentecostal Church, which inspired young women to raise over $500,000 for missionaries. She made many of her famous lollibears, pound cakes, peanut brittle, and blueberry delights to support her church, and her desire for perfection combined with her organizational skills guaranteed that church fundraisers and festivals were always a grand success. In addition to these contributions, she also served as a children’s choir director, youth leader, and Sunday school teacher through the years, happily helping wherever she was needed. In addition, Gayle gave consistently to help students in need of school supplies and books at Washington High School. She selflessly lived her life, putting God and the needs of others before herself. Gayle was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Thelma Friend, and her two sisters Geraldine Humberson and Doris DeWitt. Gayle is survived by the love of her life, her husband Donald Horlander; her children, Keith Lacrosse (Cindy), Linda Kelly (Mike), Thomas Lacrosse, Jan Lewis (David), and Kelly Heiston; as well as her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gayle had a passion for the elderly and frequently served those who were suffering from the illness or loss of a loved one. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made online, by mail, or by phone to Covenant Care (Hospice) in Pensacola, FL. A celebration of her life will be held at First Pentecostal Church on Wednesday, August 24 at 12:30 P.M. with Pastor Brian Kinsey officiating. The burial will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery NAS Pensacola, FL. The wake will be held at Faith Chapel South on Tuesday, August 23 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Parkway Pensacola, FL entrusted with arrangements. You may send condolences to the family at www.fcfhs.com

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Thelma Gayle Horlander

December 8, 1936 - August 20, 2016