Gayle E. Hargis

Gayle E. Hargis 1923-2021

Gayle E. Hargis, nee Morrison, 97, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2021 at St. Paul’s Home in Belleville, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her:

• Husband Byron V. Hargis
• Parents Lloyd and Bernetta Morrison, nee Grogg
• Infant sister Guila Morrison
• Brothers, Donnell and Guy Morrison

She is survived by her:

• Daughters:
  • Beverly Hargis
  • Jocelyn (Gary) King
• Sons:
  • Mark (Marie) Hargis
  • JD Hargis
• Grandsons:
  • Matthew (Lyndsay) Brown
  • Nathan (Ashley) Brown
  • Kyle (Jennifer) Hargis
• Granddaughter, Katelyn Hargis
• Step Grandsons:
  • Justin (Samantha) King
  • Jason (Natasha) King
• Great Grandchildren:
  • Audrey and Cooper Brown
  • Mason and Lilliana Hargis
  • Kira, Ezra, and Shelby King
• Sister, Toqualee (Norman) McDonough
• She left behind many cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Gayle was born on Kaskaskia Island, Illinois, and moved to Ellis Grove, Illinois with her parents as a young child. She was a graduate of Sparta High School. She married Byron in 1946. Gayle worked at First National Bank of Chester and Belleville High School, District 201. She was a member of Ellis Grove Baptist Church and Westview Baptist Church.

In addition to supporting all of her children’s activities, she was an avid fan of her husband’s basketball and baseball teams at Coulterville High School, Chester High School, and Belleville Area College. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed shopping. She cherished time with her family. Her strength, wisdom and devotion to family were an inspiration to many. Her optimism and faith pulled her through life’s many challenges. Her infectious smile will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association and the National Kidney Foundation.

There will be a private family visitation at Kurrus Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at Ellis Grove, Illinois Cemetery.