Mrs. Gail Ann Aiken

Gail Ann Aiken, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, while surrounded in love by her family. Born on May 4, 1959 to Josephine Wardlaw (deceased) and Ashber Anderson, Jr. in Greenwood, S.C., she was raised by her grandparents, Blanche and Ashber Anderson, Sr. (deceased). At an early age, Gail committed her life to Jesus Christ. She joined her home church, Good Hope Baptist. Gail graduated from Greenwood High School, attended the University of South Carolina, and earned a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business from York College of the City University of New York. Upon completion of her education, Gail was employed by IBM Corporation. On June 30, 1979, she married her life-long partner, Bennie Aiken, and to this blessed union, three daughters were born. Gail Aiken had a passion for exemplary service to her Lord, family, and community. While balancing her career with raising a family, Gail also remained actively involved in numerous civic organizations, with an emphasis on youth enrichment and sickle cell disease awareness. These included: PTSA local president and national life-member, Girl Scouts leader, Durham Sickle Cell Support Group member/leader, Duke University SCD Research Team member, Bridges Pointe Foundation, President. In 2016, Gail achieved a long-awaited dream of founding her own non-profit organization, Full of H.O.P.E.S., with a mission of providing support and assistance to patients with chronic diseases. All of Gail's efforts were rooted in love, especially her love for God. At St. Joseph, Gail very actively served with love. This service included various capacities in the Women's Missionary Society; Director, Young People's Division; Stewardess Board; Class Leader; Sunday School secretary; and many other ministries in the church. Gail Aiken was a spiritual leader and role-model for many at St. Joseph, especially the youth, where she demonstrated extraordinary dedication to her church and a profound love for the Lord. Gail was known to all as a sweet, warm, and compassionate Christian woman. Top priority, second only to her Lord, was her family. She instilled a strong work ethic, confidence, and a passion for excellence in her children, reminding them that they could do all things through Christ. Love radiated from her eyes and her smiling face would illuminate any room. She was a pillar of strength and the solid rock of her family. She leaves countless precious memories for her husband, Bennie; children, Adrienne (Rashad) of Durham, N.C., Jessica (Travis) of Kannapolis, N.C., and Suzette of Philadelphia, P.A.; two grandsons, Alexander Jacob and Aiden Josiah; father, Ashber Anderson, Jr. (Jonell); two brothers, Kirk Anderson of Greenwood, S.C., and Alfonza Anderson of Detroit, M.I.; four sisters, Brenda Ragland of Columbus, O.H., Darlene Saxon (Lonnie) of Greenwood, S.C., Fran Wright of Greenville, S.C., and Tonya Anderson of Detroit, M.I.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Gail Ann Aiken

May 4, 1959 - July 24, 2018