CARROLLTON — Gayla Faye Letchworth Wade, 76, passed away at home Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, following a extended illness.  Born in Greene County, N.C., Gayla was the daughter of the late Burlen L. and Beadie Heath Letchworth.  A former resident of Newport News for 30 years, Gayla had been a Carrollton resident for the past 26 years.  

For more than 25 years, Gayla was an administrative assistant with Peninsula Health Center.  She was a nurturer and caregiver and an avid gardener.  She loved the outdoors, had an adventurous spirit and was an avid mystery novel reader.  

A former member of West Hampton Baptist Church and Carrollton Baptist Church, Gayla enjoyed teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir.  She was presently a member of Liberty Baptist Church.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Gayla leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 57 years, Norman Howard Wade; daughter, Anita McGugan (Joe, Jr); son, Melvin H. Wade; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister, Ann L. Dixon; brother, Curtis R. Letchworth; and a host of nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family.  

Family and friends will gather for visitation at noon, Thursday, Dec. 8, in Colonial Funeral Home, followed by a service celebrating Gayla’s life at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Joe Hunt officiating..  Burial will follow in St. Luke’s Memorial Park. 

The family suggests memorial contributions to Liberty Baptist Church, Building Fund, 1021 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA 23666.
Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton.  Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at      colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.