Gail Alexander Herport, 81, of Hixson passed away on Sunday evening, September 24, 2023, following a lengthy illness.

Gail was born in Dayton, Tennessee May 27, 1942, and was a 1960 graduate of Rhea Central High School. She became a believer in Jesus Christ at a young age and would be greatly involved in every church of which she was a member for the rest of her life. She was a member of Red Bank Baptist Church at the time of her death. She retired from S & H Erectors after having served there as a bookkeeper for 20 years.

Friendships were an important part of Gail's life and she still visited with some friends she continues to cherish from their elementary school days. Gail was smart, articulate and possessed a beautiful singing voice. Of all her admirable traits, her willingness to encourage those going through difficult days is that for which she is best known. She was a cancer survivor and often used that platform to share her faith in Jesus Christ to those in treatment as well as her own doctors. Her faith was her motivation for life.

She is preceded in death by parents, Denver Morgan Alexander Sr. and Freddie Lee Shaver Alexander and brother Denver Morgan Alexander, Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Herport as well as her children, Scott Thurman of Atlanta, GA, Kelvin (Jennifer) Thurman of Ringgold, GA and Sonya (John) Picklesimer of Soddy Daisy, TN. The joy of her life were her grandchildren, Jared (Peyton) Sheets, Rachel (Bryce) Mantooth and Nicole Thurman and her great-grandchildren, Piper and Parker Sheets. She also leaves behind one nephew, Charles Alexander, as well as her step-children, Mandy Palmer and David Herport.

A celebration of her life will be held at Red Bank Baptist Church at 1 PM Thursday, September 28, 2023, with Dr. David McNabb and Dr. Sam Greer officiating. She will be interred at Pleasant View Cemetery in Dayton, TN.

A special note of gratitude for the immeasurable love and support of Gayla and David McNabb who have been with our family throughout Gail's illness. They have prayed, served, and ministered tirelessly to us.

In lieu of flowers, her family is requesting that donations be made to Adult & Teen Challenge MidSouth or Red Bank Baptist Church.

Please visit www.hamiltonfuneraloptions.com to share your thoughts and memories of Gail.

Gail's family will receive friends from 5 – 8 PM Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Hamilton Funeral Home at 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343.