Gail Millender

Born on January 28, 1955, to Willie Lee Merritt and Lois Virginia Willis, Gail was a luminous spirit whose grace, love, devotion to God, and unwavering faith touched all who were fortunate enough to know her. From a young age, Gail dedicated her life to serving Christ, lending her angelic voice to the choir at Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. Her musical talents flourished as she recorded a song that will forever be cherished by her children and grandchildren. In her later years, Gail found a loving community at New Hope Methodist Church, where she devoted herself tirelessly for nearly three decades under the guidance of Reverend Doctor Henry McGhee. Her faith was a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, and her joyful songs resonated in the hearts of those who listened. A proud graduate of Talladega High School, Class of 1973, Gail embraced a lifelong calling to nurture and educate children. Her journey began with an in-home daycare and blossomed into a notable career in early childhood education, impacting the lives of countless young ones at Precious Angels, Brecon Learning Center, Granny's House, and the Frank Curry Child Development Center. Most significantly, she became the Director at Kiddie School Junction, a role she held dear as one of her greatest achievements. Celebrating love's eternal bond, Gail married the love of her life, George Millender Jr., on July 7, 1975. Together, they journeyed through life's blessings for an extraordinary 50 years, creating memories that span the globe during George's service in the United States Army. On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Gail Willis Millender, a radiant spirit and cherished soul, peacefully departed from this world at the age of 70. In the comfort of her home in Talladega, Alabama, surrounded by the love of her family, Gail transitioned to her eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, kindness, and unwavering strength. She is now reunited with her beloved grandmother, Brooksie Swain; parents, Lois Virginia Willis and Willie Lee Merritt; stepmother, Lillie Mae Merritt; and sisters, Virginia Jordan, Gladys Cook, and Marshell Merritt Foster. She is survived by her devoted husband, George Millender Jr.; brothers, Michael Willis of Tacoma, Washington, Bernard (Rena) Merritt, Jeffery Merritt, and Hall (Olivia) Merritt Sr. all of Talladega, Alabama; and her sister, Janet (Rudy)Reynolds of Alpine, Alabama. Her love extends to her children, Parlisia (Bernard) Waites of Talladega, Alabama, Tavonia Millender of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Tilary (Nick) Curry of Madison, Alabama, Mandisa Millender of Talladega, Alabama, Lashonda M. Lee of Euclid, Ohio, and David Langley of Douglasville, Georgia; a special niece she raised as her own, Dorice Millender; with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, all of whom will hold her memory close to their hearts. Gail is also fondly remembered by her bonus sisters, Larsinia Hann and Carolyn Morris; bonus daughters, Jade Smoot and Denescia Willis; along with her loving bonus grandchildren, Patrick and Cayden Robinson, Alonte Kirby, and Jamarius Willis; bonus granddaughters, Ivyana and Mikiali Willis. Her remarkable legacy will live on through her adoring granddaughters, Montoya and Yasmine Waites, Raegan Curry, and L'Nique-Mone' Freeman Jones (Darius); grandsons, Nicavian Curry, Chaston and Krue Hale, Devin L. Lee, and Brian L. Lee; and great-grandchildren, Kanijah and Khylee Borden, and Amina, Akai, and Azair Jones. The family especially wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to her sister-in-love, Dianna Millender, for her compassionate care during Gail's time of need, as well as her dear cousins, Yolanda Curry and Angela Williams; and treasured friends Rosa Briskey, Judy Adams, Phyllis Brown and Patricia Robinson. As we gather to celebrate Gail's life-her laughter, her songs, and the love she poured into the world-may we each carry a piece of her spirit into our own lives, allowing her warmth and kindness to continue inspiring all who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace.

Tributes

Gail Millender

January 28, 1955 - January 6, 2026