Gayle Tallon Brazell, 71, of Columbia, departed from her earthly life and entered eternal rest on Friday, July 3, 2020. She leaves behind her family and a host of friends that she made throughout her life. Gayle will forever be remembered by her family, church family, and friends as a caring, loving person who always had a kind word of encouragement for everyone she met.

Born in Columbia, SC, on June 20, 1949, she was the daughter of the late George Edward and Mary Elizabeth Still Tallon. Although she was an only child, she considered her numerous close cousins to be like her siblings and she cherished family gatherings with them.

She is survived by her husband, Frank A Brazell, stepdaughters, Stephanie A Dodson, April Hughes (Josh), and stepson Brent Brazell. She had four grandchildren: Harper, Amber, Skylar and Misty . She also leaves behind a very special person, Allison Mathias (Steve) whom she considered to be like a daughter, along with their quadruplet girls, Grace, Emily, Mary Claire and Anna.

Gayle graduated Eau Claire High School, class of 1967. She earned a degree in Sociology from Columbia College, class of 1971. She then studied Criminal Justice and earned a Master's Degree from the University of South Carolina, class of 1980.

Gayle's professional career in state government began in 1971 and spanned over 45 years, during which time she held positions related to employee's professional development and training. Gayle's abilities, dedication and professional achievement were recognized by her peers and earned her opportunities to serve as Training Coordinator and Director of Training at several state agencies, including the Department of Probation and Parole, Department of Transportation, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Department of Corrections and finishing her career at the SC Criminal Justice Academy.

Gayle had a true passion to educate, mentor and encourage others to achieve their potential and career goals. Her ability to communicate and relate to people at all levels earned her great respect and trust from her co-workers and peers.

While Gayle earned numerous prestigious awards and achievements throughout her career, she was especially proud of the Honorary Degree she recently received from the SC Jail Administrators Association, where she made many friends.

Gayle loved her animals, plants and music. She was musically gifted and enjoyed singing and playing the piano throughout her life. She enjoyed playing the piano for services at her church. She loved boating on Lake Murray and picnicking with family and friends and enjoying the outdoors. She was an avid reader and loved to read inspirational literature.
Gayle was a faithful member of the Blythewood Seventh Day Adventist Church. She enjoyed life every day and had a strong foundation of faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a devoted servant and faithful steward of the gifts and talents with which God blessed her. She especially loved doing her daily bible study for Sabbath School lessons. Gayle's life had a positive impact in the lives of those around her and we are all the better and blessed by having known her. She will be truly missed by all that knew her.

Gayle's family would like to thank her many friends and caregivers for their loving support and encouragement to her during her long and courageous battle with cancer. Although we are heartbroken that she had to leave us, we know that Gayle did not lose her battle with cancer, but instead, she fought the battle with prayer and faith, and has won the final victory. She is now resting in God's care and the cancer cannot ever hurt her anymore.

The funeral service for Gayle will be held 11 o'clock, Wednesday, July 8th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. Pastor Charlie Young will officiate. Burial will follow the service at 2 o'clock, in Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, 3132 SC-64, Barnwell, SC, 29812. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service beginning at 10 o'clock. For friends and family unable to attend the service, you may watch the livestream by visiting her tribute page at ShivesFuneralHome.com

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.