Shirlyn Gail Gallagher, 75, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross, following an extended illness.
She was born in Blackshear to the late Winston Kicklighter and Mary Lee Johnson Kicklighter. Gail was a dedicated and respected teacher with the Pierce County Board of Education. She taught at Ware Street Elementary School before eventually retiring from Blackshear Elementary School. She loved working with children and helping to develop young minds in a community she loved dearly. She was a Christian who loved the Lord and had formerly attended Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing bingo and reading. She was also an animal lover with a huge heart and an abundance of patience. For the last three years, she and her husband enjoyed living at Satilla Bluffs Senior Care, where she developed many lasting friendships with the wonderful residents there.
Survivors include her husband, David John Gallagher, Blackshear; two daughters, Ginnie Carter (Bruce) and Karen Owens, both of Blackshear; four grandchildren, Katelynn Carter Scott (Josh), Matthew Carter, Brayden Owens and David Hollis Owens; four siblings, Sandra Brice (Joe), Atlanta, Sue Gibbs (Eulin), Hartwell, Kay Proctor (Julian), Woodbine and Jerry Kicklighter (Cindy), Blackshear and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her wishes were to be cremated and buried alongside her husband.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Hospice House Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA 31501.
Condolences may be expressed onlineat www.musicfuneralhome.com.
Music Funeral Home of Waycross was in charge of arrangements.
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