Sirmans
WAYCROSS — On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Gail Marie Sirmans completed a journey that had come full circle.
Born May 21, 1949, in Waycross, Ms. Sirmans spent her life rooted in the town she loved, and it was there, surrounded by family and friends, she peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at the age of 77.
Ms. Sirmans was the daughter of Charles “Red” Sirmans o f Nashville, Ga., and Grace Marie Chomas Sirmans o f Queens, N.Y. She carried throughout her life the strength, resilience, and compassion that characterized her family.
A proud graduate of Waycross High School’s Class of 1967, she was a member of the first graduating class following the integration of the school system, a milestone she remembered with quiet pride.
Long before she became known as “Nana Gail” and “Granna,” Ms. Sirmans was a spirited young woman who rode a horse named King with a distinctive mustache, and could often be found riding her horse, and sometimes motorcycles, through the streets of Waycross. Her adventurous spirit never left her.
Throughout her life, Ms. Sirmans served her community in many roles, working at King Edward Cigar Factory, Gadsden Photo Finishing, the YMCA alongside Jim Hooker, the Waycross Board of Education Print Shop, and Brantley Printing. Her desire to care for others eventually led her to finish her classroom education to become a nurse.
Yet the role that defined much of her life was that of a school bus driver. Beginning in the mid-1970s and continuing until her retirement in 2017, Ms. Sirmans faithfully transported generations of students throughout Waycross, Ware County and Pierce County for more than 40 years.
To her, driving a bus was never simply a job, it was a calling. She viewed the safety of the children entrusted to her each day as a sacred responsibility. Years after graduation, former students still remembered her kindness, encouragement, and watchful care. While Ms. Sirmans earned numerous school bus rodeo awards, her greatest accomplishment was the lasting impact she made on countless children and families.
One of her proudest memories came in 1978 when she served as the bus driver for the Waycross High School Girls Basketball Team during its State Championship season under Coach E.B. Price. Ms. Sirmans’ enthusiasm and unwavering support made her an honorary member of the team, and the friendships formed during that remarkable season endured for decades.
History was another of her passions. Ms. Sirmans was especially proud of her family’s connection to the General Slocum Disaster on June 15, 1904, one of America’s greatest maritime disasters. She was a direct descendant of the only intact family known to have survived the disaster. She spent years preserving original artifacts, sharing her family's story with historians and journalists, and attending the 100th anniversary memorial in 2004. She carried that history with deep gratitude and reverence.
Though she held many titles throughout her life, none meant more to her than Mama, Nana Gail, and Granna.
She is lovingly survived by her life partner, Charles Crumbley of Ruskin, Fla.; two daughters, Marion Highsmith Lee (Eric) of Crawfordville, Fla., and Constance Highsmith Roddenberry (David) of St. Augustine, Fla.; her grandchildren, William “Tres” Mansfield (Ashley) of Milwaukee, Wisc., Jon Michael Mansfield of Manitowoc, Wisc., Chandler Hutchinson (Ashley) of St. Augustine, Devin Osborn of St. Augustine, Charlette Andrews of Crawfordville, Brooke Schamens (Dustin) of Altha, Fla., Brantley Kinard (Billy) of Blountstown, Fla., and Kayla Roddenberry, Ashley Roddenberry, Charlie Roddenberry, all of St. Augustine. She was also blessed with 14 greatgrandchildren who lovingly knew her as “Granna” and brought immeasurable joy to her life.
If you asked her family what made Ms. Sirmans so special, they would likely begin with her smile and her enthusiastic “HEEEEYYYYY,” which could brighten any room. They would tell you she was everyone's biggest cheerleader — the ultimate “hype man” long before the phrase existed.
Ms. Sirmans loved with her whole heart. Even during her more than seven-year battle with breast cancer, she maintained a spirit of hope and optimism. She celebrated every accomplishment, big or small, and made people feel seen, valued, and capable of more than they imagined. She taught her family to love Jesus, extend grace, forgive freely, and walk confidently in who God created them to be.
A gifted painter, gardener, seamstress, cook, historian, and student of God's Word, Ms. Sirmans found joy in creating beauty and sharing it with others. She taught her daughters to sew, welcomed those in need, and never missed an opportunity to share the Gospel.
Above all, Ms. Sirmans was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Her faith shaped every aspect of her life. She loved because she knew she was loved by God. She served because Christ first served her. And she shared the hope of the Gospel because it was the foundation that sustained her throughout every season of life.
Though her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the certainty that her faith has become sight. The woman whose life began and ended in Waycross has now gone see OBITS, Page 4A home to the place prepared for her long ago.
Her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every child she transported safely, every family member she encouraged, every friend she welcomed, and every person she pointed toward Jesus. A funeral service celebrating Ms. Sirmans’ life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 26 at Music Funeral Home. A reception will follow at First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Satilla Hospice or Magnolia House in honor of Ms. Sirmans’ lifelong commitment to caring for others.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4: 7
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome. com.
Music Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
