Retha Gayle Lee

May 29, 1945 - May 2, 2020

Gayle Lee, 74, Altus, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2020 at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Private family services will be webcast and have been scheduled for 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at the Kincannon Memorial Chapel with Bob Mills officiating. Private family burial will follow services at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Retha Gayle McLaughlin was born May 29, 1945 in Hollis, Oklahoma to J.C. and Roxie (McEndree) McLaughlin. She attended Cordell High School and graduated with the Class of 1963. Gayle attained a Bachelors of Education degree from Southwestern State in Weatherford, Oklahoma and later earned a Masters of Education from the University of Alabama. She married William T. "Bill" Lee, Jr. on July 3, 1970 in Altus, Oklahoma. She taught two years at Washington Elementary in Altus and one year in Oklahoma City. She taught school for 25 years in Attalla, Alabama and retired in 1995. Gayle was a member of the Tamarack Road Church of Christ where she was part of the ladies group and prayer ministry. She was a member of the Alabama Educators Association and the National Educators Association. Gayle enjoyed painting, sewing, cooking, crafting, writing cards, spending time with family and especially watching her grandson Kaeden wrestle and play baseball. Gayle was preceded in death by her parents, J.C. and Roxie McLaughlin and her brother, Floyd McLaughlin. She is survived by her husband, Bill Lee; two daughters, Lindsey Reeves and husband, Johnathon; and Lauren Westervelt and husband, David; two brothers, Gary McLaughlin and wife, Marilyn; and Larry McLaughlin and wife, Teresa; grandson, Kaeden Westervelt, the "light of her life;" a sister-in-law, Barbara McLaughlin; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Memorials may be made to the Tamarack Road Church of Christ Food Room at 1000 E. Tamarack Road or the charity of your choice. Viewing will be available for Gayle Lee from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday before the service.