Oweta Gayle Davis 1955-2023
Gayle passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on December 20, 2023 in Belleview, FL surrounded by her daughters.
A lifetime resident of Clewiston, Gayle was born April 27, 1955, the youngest of four and was totally loved and spoiled as a child by her siblings. She had a slight speech impediment as a youngster and had trouble with the word sister. It came out as "saucer." When asked her name, she referred to herself as "Gayle Bah-dee" because she couldn't pronounce the name "Baldree.” Family and close friends always referred to her as Gayle "Bah-dee."
Gayle spent much her youth working alongside her family in their grocery store. She spoke often of happy memories and shenanigans she and her siblings shared. Gayle loved her time at the store and thought of it as more fun than work.
Gayle raised her three girls in the small mid-Hendry County community of Flaghole where they had 25 acres to roam free and grow up close to family and nature. She loved being a homemaker and farmer’s wife. Watermelon harvest was one of her favorite times of year. She also enjoyed spending time in the hunting area each season with her family and friends, riding on the buggy and sitting around the campfire.
In the mid 80s, Gayle tried her hand in the retail business and opened Cane Patch Casuals on Sugarland Hwy. in Clewiston, where she met and formed lasting friendships with Marie Parker and Lisa Conley.
In 1986, Gayle was a member of the Clewiston Merchant Association where she participated in the development of the Sugar Festival, a city-wide celebration showcasing the community and showing appreciation to the sugar industry.
She later worked with the Hendry County School Board, holding instructional, clerical and administrative positions. During her tenure with Clewiston High School she reconnected and became close friends with her former teacher, Isabelle Belton. They shared many intimate conversations over lunch with lots of laughs, especially when Mr. Belton would join them.
Gayle loved to sing in church and cherished the time she served as a Sunday school teacher for the adult class at Clewiston Gospel Ministries.
Gayle loved to laugh and be silly, especially with her family and grandchildren. She took delight in making others laugh and often said she wished she could have been a stand-up comedian. She had a talent for interior design and always had the perfect outfit and accessories for any occasion.
In her final weeks, she found peace and tranquility sitting on her porch and spent her last days surrounded by her children and family at her daughter’s home.
Gayle is survived by her husband, Mike, daughters Belinda Lee of Georgiana, AL, Rebecca (Eric) Price of Belleview, FL, Sarah Pittman of Zolfo Springs, FL, step-daughter Maureen (Donnie) Creagh of LaBelle, FL. Sister Oveida (Paul) Shackelford, sisters in law, Vicky and Joann Baldree, and sister in love, Sue (Randy) Baldridge.
Grandchildren Kamie (Caleb), Chelsa, Alan, Wesley, Rusty, Jase, Jonathan, Alivia, Rachel, Donnie and Jazlyn. Great grandchildren Samantha, Gracelyn, Liam, Joshua and Micah.
Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents A.P. Baldree and Frances Deese, brothers Pat and Mike Baldree and beloved caregiver Rebecca Castleberry.
More than anything, she loved her family and doing her part to leave the world better than she found it. After losing both her brothers, Gayle vowed to live life in color. We ask that you please honor her by choosing colorful attire for the memorial service.
Memorial Service:
New Harvest Church
370 Holiday Isles
Clewiston FL 33440
January 6, 2024
11:00 am
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