Gay Gillingham Murray, age 86, of Uniontown, passed away peacefully Monday, September 16, 2024 with loving family by her side. Born January 7, 1938, in Uniontown, daughter of George Dale and Lillian Lewellen Gillingham. She was a faithful member of St. Peter’s Anglican Church of Uniontown.
In addition to her parents and sisters, Gay is predeceased by her son, Gregg Frank.
Surviving are sons Richard Frank (Lisa), and David Frank (Gretchen); daughter Wendy Frank Gaither (Edwin); grandchildren: Daniel Frank, Vanessa Frank, Tucker Frank, Morgan Frank, and her very best friend, grandson, Aaron Gaither.
Prior to retirement, Gay spent the majority of her career as an accomplished salesperson in commercial real estate and then the hotel and tourism industry. She achieved award winning group sales status with America West Airlines.
Gay started her recovery journey October 1, 1982, when she stopped drinking alcohol. and had a heartfelt passion for encouraging those in recovery from substance use disorders. In that volunteered as a recovery peer group leader and board member at St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Center while living in Phoenix, Arizona and continued serving as an AA sponsor and a resource for many who were in recovery through the rest of her life. Additionally, she volunteered for many years at the Uniontown Hospital, and she was very active in St. Peter’s Anglican Church serving in various capacities. She loved Jesus and especially loved reading the writings of the Apostle Paul.
She was an adventurous person who loved to travel- her idea of fun was to jump in the car and travel to new places. She also loved sailing, swimming, needlepoint, the Steelers, walking, American history, going out to dinner with friends, and art history. But the light of her life and greatest joy was the time she spent with her grandson, Aaron, whose love for their time together was mutual.
Despite many obstacles in life, Gay maintained a cheerful and encouraging outlook and was a wonderful example of the ability to persevere. In later years, she was known for giving out Tootsie Roll lollipops to strangers and friends alike. Though there are many examples of Gay’s moxie, a favorite was how she overcame her fear of flying. Faced with a need to fly without the crutch of alcohol, Gay took lessons, learned to fly small aircraft, and never feared flying again.
Wendy and Aaron would like to thank Jennie’s Personal Care Home- most especially Tyffani, Kenya, and Pam; and Amedisys Hospice staff Maranda, McKenna, and Kate who all took great care of her. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gay’s memory can be made to Good Works Life Recovery House 102 Old Wynn Rd., Uniontown, PA 15401 to continue her passion for helping those in recovery.
In keeping with the family’s wishes, there will be no services for Gay. In her memory, please greet others kindly and offer them a Tootsie Pop.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIES, INC., 80 Morgantown St., Uniontown, PA. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at adferguson.com and on the funeral home Facebook page.
