Janice Gayle Hall Longsworth

On June 1, 2019, Gayle Longsworth blessedly entered the Kingdom of Heaven after an 18-month valiant and inspirational fight with cancer.  Throughout her battle, she displayed great courage, never lacking a profound reliance in God’s providence.  She died as she lived her life-on her own terms while at home, pain-free, and surrounded by her loving family and her devoted husband, constant companion, and best friend, Harold Morris Longsworth.

Gayle was born in the small mining community of Kingston, WV on December 14, 1938. She was the oldest of five children born to James William and Mary Elizabeth Powers Hall.

 Gayle married Harold Morris Longsworth September of 1960 in Handley, WV.

 After numerous moves throughout their marriage and raising their four children, Gayle and Harold settled in Farmville, VA and were dedicated members of Heritage Baptist Church.

Gayle became restless after retiring from Perdue Farms and reentered the work force as a one-on-one aide for one very special boy, Zach Nunnely, who she followed through school for seven years in Prince Edward County, VA.

Over three years ago, Gayle and Harold relocated to Parker, CO where they found fellowship and friendship while members of Parker Bible Fellowship Church and their Senior Care Group. Gayle quickly immersed herself at Parker Adventist Hospital.  She volunteered in the Gift Shop and the Needlework Guild, knitting baby sweaters and hats distributed to new parents with babies in the NICU. Ever busy, Gayle enjoyed reading, bird watching, quilting, knitting, and loved flower gardening.

Gayle lived a full and passionate life.  She loved the Lord Jesus Christ with her whole heart and soul and mind, her family, and all those God brought into her life.

Gayle is survived her four children:  Elizabeth Broadwell of Tuscon, AZ, Rebecca Smallwood and Thomas of Parker, CO, Steven Longsworth and Donna of Eatonville, WA, and Mary Overacker of Hagerstown, MD, thirteen grandchildren: Kristian Nason of Bellingham, WA, Ian Nason of Syracuse, NY, David Nason of Lake Luzerne, NY,  Amanda Johnson and Eric of South Riding, VA, Kaitlyn Overacker of Hagerstown, MD, James Broadwell of Nashville, TN, Mark Broadwell and Maggie of Avondale, AZ, Anne Lauria and Brandon of Marcy, NY, Morgan Overacker and Steven of Martinsburg, WV, Jeanette Smallwood and partner Luis Miranda of Denver, CO, Jillian Smallwood of Parker, CO, Ryan Overacker of Hagerstown, MD, Kathryn Smallwood of Parker, CO, and four great-grandchildren: Audrey McLaughlin, Blakely McLaughlin, Charlotte Johnson, and soon to arrive Theodore Lauria, and finally by her brothers Frederick Hall and Dorothy June of Oak Hill, WV and Kenneth Hall and Faye of Churchville, VA. 

She is predeceased by her parents James William and Mary Elizabeth Powers Hall, sister Billie Rachel Williams, brother John D. Hall.

During her own treatments at University of Colorado Health, she would frequently encounter children also receiving oncology treatments. For this reason, she asked that donations be made to Children’s Hospital’s Oncology Unit in lieu of flowers.

Well done, My good and faithful servant.

Matthew 25:21

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Children's Hospital of Denver.

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