OBITUARY: Gayle Graham Neff

Gayle Graham Neff, Age 76, of Mt. Juliet, TN, went to be with the Lord on May 22, 2025, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply and held together so fiercely.

Gayle was the heart and foundation of her family–a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, proud great-grandmother, and cherished friend. She was the one everyone turned to: strong when we needed strength, kind when we needed comfort, playful when we needed joy, and always steady no matter what life brought. She was a trusted secret-keeper, a quiet encourager, and a constant presence in the lives of those she loved.

While she found peace and joy in tending her flower garden, it was her care for people that truly defined her life. Gayle also had a true talent for shopping; she loved the hunt and had a knack for finding the best bargains. She treasured time spent with her lifelong friends, sharing laughs, stories, and memories that spanned decades.

Some of her most cherished moments were made at the lake house, where she enjoyed relaxing days and making lasting memories with her family and friends.

Gayle was preceded in death by her parents, David and Marjorie Graham; her sister, Marsha Howard; her niece, Jenny Haley; and her daughter, Vicki Neff.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Fred Neff; sons, Jason Ward (Angie) and Graham Ward; daughter, Teri Hall (Tim); grandchildren, Lauren McClanahan (Reece), Dayton Ward, Braden Ward, Riley Ward, Corey Smith, Jodi Smith, Tanner Hill, and Tyler Albers; and seven great-grandchildren who will grow up surrounded by her stories and spirit.

Gayle’s absence leaves a space no one else can fill but her legacy of love, laughter, and quiet strength will live on in all of us.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. (visitation on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road. Interment Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.