Gail was born May 23, 1954 to Guy Edward and Nadine Lavon (Thurston) Mayfield in Enumclaw, Washington. Six months later along with older brother George, they headed to Fort Scott, Kansas. While in Kansas, Gail's two younger sisters, Jane and Jacqualine (Jackie) were born. There were stays in Noel, Missouri; Sulphur Springs, Arkansas and Seattle, Washington before setting in Tacoma, Washington in 1970.
Gail graduated from Lincoln High School in 1973. Later that year she married Terry Innocenti and in 1978 they had a beautiful daughter Christina.
In 1972 the family grew with the addition of father Gene Brooks and two more sister Lucy and Tanya.
Later she would meet and marry the love of her life Russ Layland. She opened her heart to Debbie, Todd and Keith.
Gail was all about family whether it was keeping an eye on father, to being the first one there and the last to leave in helping no matter what the circumstances were. She would listen to our heart aches and troubles and would rejoice in our triumphs. We could always, and did, count on Gail.
A very big part of Gail's family life was her love of her grandchildren. You could see her glow and her eyes brighten when any of them walked into the room.
Gail had a great sense of humor whether the joke was on someone else or her. She kept that sense of humor to the last (ask Jane and Jackie).
Most of Gail's working life was with Fred Meyer (for 14 years) and Unified Aircraft (for over 10 years). She loved her jobs and her fellow workers. In her battle with cancer, she said they kept her going.
Gail was preceded in death by Guy Mayfield on July 3, 1971, and Nadine (Mayfield) Brooks February 14, 1999. She is survived by her husband Russ, daughter Christina Innocenti and son Daysean, daughter Debbie Patton (Kevin), son Todd Layland (Zana), son Keith Layland (Mandy), 8 grandchildren, and 2 greatgrandchildren. Also father Albie Brooks, brother George Mayfield (Julie), sisters Jane Hodgson (Eric), Jackie Weatherwax (Rick), Lucy Hadegan, Tanya Ligtburn and their families.
Gail passed on September 18, 2010 in Tacoma, Washington with all her family by her side. WE do and will miss her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 1, 2010
Alyssa Layland
Well Grandma gail, there isnt a day that has gone by when i dont think of you. i try not to think about how much i miss you because all i do is cry. Literaly everyday i think of you, you were an amazing grandma and you always had a smile on your face. I member living with you ha, i wish it was for longer! i really do. We had so many laughs and oh man it was just amazing. I FINALLY GOT MY LICENSE!! i was so excited.i passed with a 86! haha almost failing but the lady prolly never wanted to get in a car with me again! haha.Well i could right a entire book right here but i think everyone would get a lil mad ha. I love you grandma and you will always be on my mind and in my heart<3 forever and ever<3 ill see you soon
October 3, 2010
Jo Ann Borchers
I was on vacation when you were taken from us. I was so very sad to here the news when I got home. I just want to tell you what a lovely person you were and I looked foward to opening up Fred Meyer in the morning and there you'd be filling the checkstands (wings and clips)as they called it.We had some fun conversations in the mornings and thanks for always letting me vent on the previous days events, but you always had a listening ear for me and I appreciate that. You always did a great job and you was loved by all who worked with you.Couldn't wait for lunch time to hang out with "THE LUNCH BUNCH" I will always remember your beautiful smile and loving heart for your family.Rest in peace my dear. Love ya, Jo Ann
September 29, 2010
My family and I would like to extend our condolences to the entire Layland Family. Our thoughts are with all of you in this time of grief and hope that the memories of Gail will always comfort you when she is missed.
Best wishes the Mason Family Covington Wa.
September 25, 2010
Kristina Hipner
Gail,
What a beautiful service you had! You were loved and I was so impressed by your grandson and his strength at such a young age to stand up and express his love for you! You have raised a strong daughter who has now raised a strong son!
Every time I called the office for my mom you always sounded the same "Happy and chipper." Thank you for being my mom's bff and helping her when she needed you!
You will be missed Gail & I know for me, calling the office and getting someone elses mundane "hello" will not be what I'm used to when I call!
God Bless,
Kristina
September 24, 2010
George Mayfield
Sis:
I've known you all your life and the memories come flooding back . From me being Tarzan and you Jane and we would swing from that old rope or jumping off the shed roof as Super Hero's always did (mom got a little mad at me for you hurting your ankle on that one)
I've watched you grow from a little girl that picked up strays and begged mom & dad saying ,"Please can I keep this one ?" I watched you as you went through those awkward teenage years with grace and mature into a loving wife,mother and grandmother who gave her love blindly. I watched as you became the rock of the family that others leaned on.
To put it simply: You listened to my troubles; you comforted me in my sorrows and rejoiced in my celebrations.
I thank God he made you my sister . I thank you for being my friend.
I love you
George
September 24, 2010
DEBRA JONES
September 23, 2010
Becky Reed
My dear sweet sister, I will miss you... We had many years together as sisters and you were one in a million. I wish your journey here on earth had been longer, but now I know you walk with God and in peace with Mom...
I will always love you.
September 23, 2010
Alyssa Layland
Dear Grandma Gail, We all miss you so much, we will always remember the fun time we shared:) the best memory is the LAYLAND DNA, me, you and grandpa were dorks together Living with you was one of the best times of my life. I miss always eating sweet potatoes:) you got me hooked on them!! That was our food most definatly. I just mainly wanted to say I love you,and will definatly see you again, I will bring the sweet potaotes!!! Love Alyssa
September 23, 2010
Kelly Bales
I met Gail when I transferred to the Pacific ave Fred Meyer. Gail had such a strong presence about her and I knew I wanted to get to know her. Sharon, Gail and I grew to be good friends while working together at Freds. We had alot of fun and alot of laughs. On our few trips to the ocean, we had such good times. Gail was so funny. The three of us left Fred Meyer at the same time and it saddens me that we lost contact, but I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to know and befriend such a wonderful big-hearted person. My heart goes out to Russ, Christina and her family. I'm so sorry.
-Kelly
September 23, 2010
MaDonna
Keep this candle burning bright Gail, so we can find our way home.
September 23, 2010
September 23, 2010
September 23, 2010
September 23, 2010
September 23, 2010
Jason
Gail,
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this difficult time. You showed nothing but strength and courage in the face of uncertainty. You are truly an inspiration for all who knew you. God Bless
September 23, 2010
Sharon Brown
Gail and I met while working at Fred Meyer. We clicked right away. She was direct and funny, which of course I liked. Full of passion and strength that I admired. We had great times and I thank God for her friendship. And I thank you, Gail, for the wonderful memories. God called for Gail too soon but she is now with her mom that she missed so. Until I see you again, my friend, I love you.
Sharon
Oh, and Bella says "love you" too.
September 23, 2010
Sharon Brown
Gail and I met while working at Fred Meyer. We clicked right away. She was direct and funny, which of course I liked. Full of passion and strength that I admired. We had great times and I thank God for her friendship. And I thank you Gail for the wonderful memories. God called for Gail too soon but she is now with her mom that she missed so. Until I see you again my friend I love you. Sharon
Oh, and Bella says "love you" too.
September 22, 2010
MaDonna Perkins
My Dear Cousin, We have lost yet another member of our once very large family. You will truly be missed. I just wish we could have been closer throughout the years past. You are now a shining star along with my Grandpa and mother. Please know that some day, we will all be together again. I will always love you. You are the only one I would let call me, MaDonna.
September 22, 2010
MaDonna Perkins ( Fawcett)
I have lost yet another loved one. Please give Grandma & grandpa Thurston my love. Also, Tell Uncle Hank and Aunt Joe ( my mom & grandpa) that I love and miss them everyday.Let your mom, dad, Gerry, and the rest of our family, that I will see them some day.
September 22, 2010
Ashley Miller
I love you aunt Gail.
September 22, 2010
Janie Hodgson
My sister, my best friend, my security blanket, I am going to miss you so much not a day will go by that you are not in my thoughts. I take comfort in knowing that you are with Mom and no longer in pain. I love you so much and I will keep my promises to you...your sister Janie
September 22, 2010
Christina Innocenti
To my Mother, I will miss you more than words can say. You made me strong and will always be my best friend and my angle looking down on me. I love you and can only hope I can give Daysean the support and love you gave me as a mother and friend.
September 22, 2010
Terri Fawcett-Smith
I was so heartbroken when I heard of Gails passing. I have so many memories of Gail and THE FAMILY." Aunt Nadine was called to be with Our Lord and Savior way to early, and now he must of had a reason to take you Gail at such an young age. Just knowing "Mom and Daughter" are together again warms my heart. "I love you Gail, and please tell my Mom (Aunt Jo) and Grandpa (Uncle Hank) and Papa Jerry HI for all of us and we think of them everday and love them all so very much. Give everyone a kiss for us. I Love you and I will miss you greatly. Love Terri Fawcett-Smith and Family.
September 21, 2010
Debbie and Kevin Patton
Gail
we love you and you will be missed so much. I know you will always be watching over us. You will be in our hearts forever love you Debbie, kevin, matt and meghan
September 21, 2010
My condolences to the Layland family for your loss. Renee Coleman
September 21, 2010
Jackie Weatherwax
my beautiful sister,
you will be missed, I watched your husband , children ,grandchildren, friends, brother and sisters watch over you. seeing the love on each and eveyone's faces,was so beautiful to see. sis I will miss you soo much. Thank you for being my sister remember" your my favorite" love you
your sister Jackie
September 21, 2010
Theresa Heyerdahl
Dear Gail, Although we never met, we have a very special mutual friend, Kitty. I know she will miss you until the day you are together again. I sure wish we would have been able to meet each other. I heard many good things about you! My goal now is to help you watch over our friend. Peace be with you. You will be remembered in my prayers. Theresa
September 21, 2010
Kevie & Aby Patton
Grandma gail~
We love you and miss you.You will be in our hearts forever and always
LOVE Kevin,Aby,Hailey and Anna Patton
September 21, 2010
Toni Warren
Gail, though we never met face to face, we talked on the phone enough that I feel like we have known each other forever. You always had a smile on your face whenever I would call and you always made me laugh. You will be greatly missed. Now that you are with the angels, please watch over our good friend, Kitty, and help her through this. Love ya, Toni
September 21, 2010
Julie Deschner
What an awesome person you were, I will miss all our chats, excursions and of course Mega Bingo where we solved all of our problems- you go get your 4 corners now cause you deserve it- till we meet again and we will- all my love to Russ, Christina, Jackie, Jane, Gene and George- Love ya, Julie Deschner (Phoenix, AZ)
September 21, 2010
Ronda Echerd
Gail,
What a special treasure it is to have been your friend. You always made me smile. I won't be the same visiting Seattle without seeing you. You are going to be greatly missed.
September 21, 2010
John & Charlotte Chanti
May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you ALL now and in the days ahead for the Layland Family
September 20, 2010
Amber Webster
Gail, you will be greatly missed but I know that you are in heaven looking down on us and that you will always be with us, in our hearts and memories.
September 20, 2010
theresa boggs
as a good friend of kitty's i pray for the family and loved ones of Gail for their lose.
September 20, 2010
Kitty Waters
My Dear Gailee we had a journey together and it didn't end the way we had hoped. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be there for you and with you. Your strength and grace comfort me now. I had a dream about you the night you died. I didn't remember much about what was going on expect that you were young and beautiful and healthy and happy and it was super nova bright. Don't forget to tell my Bill that I love him and miss him every day of my life and I will be there when it is my turn. And tell my Mom I love her and miss her and that you are now both forever remembered for leaving me on Sept the 18th. Thank you Gailee for being one of my BFF's. I will keep my promises to you my friend. I lug you you lug me ,Kitty
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