Gail Anderson

ANDERSON, GAIL KNIGHT, age 64, of Morris, died November 14, 2006. She was born on March 14, 1942 to J. Harold and Vera Knight in Gadsden, Alabama. She came to know the Lord as a young lady in Walnut Park Baptist Church where she later served in numerous capacities including church pianist. Her love of people and music became infectious at an early age when she began her piano teaching career at 14 years old. A natural leader that brought about followers with great dedication, she carried herself with amazing character and respect without a need to demand it whatsoever. Gail led in her community as well as her alma mater of Emma Sansom High School where she served as a secretary of the Goldentone Choir, editor of the yearbook, president of the Alpha-Tri-Hi-Y Club, Vice President of the National Honor Society, member of the Future Business Leaders of America, member of Sigma Gamma, as well as elected to the most honorable position of Miss Emma Sansom. Upon graduation, she chose to attend Samford University in Birmingham by the guidance of Rev. Willis Kelly. During her 4 years at Samford, she took her leadership to another level by finding time to work full time at Sears and the University, while also attending class as a full time student. On the weekends she served as pianist for various churches in the Birmingham area such as McElwain Baptist Church and Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. After graduating from Samford, she took a brief job with EBSCO until receiving word from Jefferson County Board of Education of the opportunity to teach business education for Warrior High School. She was hired by the late Allison Barnwell and served as a BOE teacher at Warrior for over 5 years. She now was able to incorporate her love of people again as she came out from behind a desk and entered into the world of education. Her love of young people was an irreplaceable asset that was coveted by any administrator and her students knew that she bore a great love for their well being. She carried this into her other teaching occupations as well as when she took a position at Mortimer Jordan High School as a BOE teacher, as a music teacher for Bryan Elementary, and as a substitute teacher for Bryan. During the 1967-68 school year, Gail was introduced to a local man by one of her students on a blind date. Three months later, she wed this man named Richard Anderson and began a family that would grow to be larger than their small home could ever hold. Together they soon joined Enon Baptist Church in Morris, Alabama and immediately Gail plugged into numerous venues of service for the church and for the association. Over the next 40 years, she served as pianist, WMU director for the church, WMU director for the North Jefferson association, Missions Friends teacher, Sunday School teacher for all ages, Youth director, various committee positions, choir member, and the first and only female music director for the church for eleven years. Her love of the Lord was contagious and she poured it onto her family, her church family, and her community. After teaching in her home for several years, Gail opened a studio beside their home in Morris in 1987 for instructing piano, guitar and voice lessons. When she retired from this position in March, 2006, she had been in the business of instructing and influencing others through music for 50 years. The number of students and families that have experienced the love of "Miss Gail" over the years are far too expansive to put to a figure. She was a pillar of faith, hope, and love for many people and earnestly believed that "(we) can do all things through Christ which strengthens (us)." Through her first bout with cancer in 2003, she maintained her position as a music teacher throughout the entire process. She defeated it with extreme faith and gave credit to our Lord for her victory. Unfortunately, in March, 2006, the cancer returned to plaque her body once more and she again gave credit to the Lord for all of the glorious things that has happened thus far in her life and for the illness. She believed in God's divine plan and knew that He would bring her to a place of healing eventually, whether here on this earth of at home in Heaven with Him. Gail left this world to sing, play the piano, walk and not grow weary ever again. She left a legacy that will never be forgotten and a community that has been transformed. Her survivors are her devoted husband, Richard Anderson of Morris, AL; her adoring son, Jason Anderson of Birmingham, AL; her faithful daughter, Jodi Anderson (Jeremy) Powell of Fort Worth, TX; her precious granddaughter, Emma Powell of Fort Worth, TX; her parents, Harold and Vera Knight of Gadsden, AL; her sister, Ann Knight (Levan) Parker of Hoover, AL; and her expansive extended family including anyone who fell into her embrace. Gail and family would like to extend a note of great appreciation to Dr. Stephen Beck along with the entire staff of the St. Vincent's Bruno's Cancer Center. The family also would like to thank Wiregrass Hospice for their devotion and detailed care of our most beloved patient. For condolences, you may contribute flowers or make donations to the building fund at Enon Baptist Church. Funeral service is Friday, November 17, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at Enon Baptist Church with burial to follow at Haig-Rogers. Visitation is this evening from 6-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Morgan's @ Gardendale directing.

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Gail Anderson

March 14, 1942 - November 14, 2006