Gayla McLean was born on December 31, 1936 in Lexington, Kentucky. She is survived by her beloved brother, Darel Artson La Perriere and his wife Frances Helton Shields La Perriere, as well as a very special nephew, Derek Adam La Perriere and his wife Kayla Freeman La Perriere and their son Donovan Adric La Perriere and daughter Brianne Richelle Lee. She is also survived by her sister Margaret Lorraine Penniman and her husband John, and niece Linda Penniman Conlee. Also, nephews Steven Penniman and wife Phyllis, and G. Victor Penniman as well as several nieces and nephews.
Gayla retired from Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, Atlanta, Georgia in 1989. As a young person, Gayla danced with the Ballet Folklorico, San Juan Puerto Rico (1949-1952) while she left that troupe in 1952, she brought that same creativity, passion and love for people to all her endeavors. Following her retirement from Southern Bell, Gayla brought her gifts and graces to large companies like IBM and smaller companies. Gayla also owned four different businesses in Florida and loved people and enjoyed helping people to be their very best.
Even Though Gayla was a life-long Christian and member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur, Georgia her life changed dramatically in 1986 following a major corporate event. Under the leadership of Dr. Gil Watson, Senior Minister at Oak Grove UMC, Gayla entered into a life-changing personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Here, she found her true calling in serving others through organizations like Wesley Woods, Breakthrough House, The Trinity Kitchen, The DeKalb Shelter for Women and Common Ground. Whether bringing spiritual support and guidance to those affected by HIV Aids, or simply serving a meal in love Gayla found faith, hope and love in her service to God and others. Gayla also offered her leadership gifts to the church and served the congregation’s Education, Singles, Communications and Construction ministries. She remained connected to the ministries until her brief move to Florida in 1994.
Since 1996, she has lived in Cherokee County, North Carolina where she has worshipped with Ranger UMC in Murphy, North Carolina and Sharp Memorial UMC in Young Harris, Georgia. While she was content in the many places she once called home, she was most at home at Sharp Memorial UMC where she found both Christian family and deep friendships. Special appreciation is expressed to The Reverend Darris Baker for his pastoral care and good friends Shelia Mohan, Margaret Stiles and Linsey Taylor for their affection, love and service.
The Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church in Young Harris, Georgia. The service will be led by Senior Minister, David Tinsley and Dr. David L. Davis. The community is also invited to a catered dinner and refreshments following the service. Gifts may be made to Sharp Memorial UMC in memory of Gayla Mclean.
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Elbert Edwin Timpson 
