Edna Gail Leavell Storey, born January 28, 1942, in Port Arthur, Texas, passed away Saturday morning, January 7, 2023, in Houston, Texas. Her parents were Robert B. and Myrtle Leavell of Port Arthur.
Gail attended public schools in Port Arthur, graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1959. She was active in various student activities and a member of the famous Red Hussars. She married on September 7, 1961, and promptly moved with her husband to Waco, Texas, where she studied organ at Baylor University. She briefly returned to Beaumont to complete her degree in education from Lamar University in 1962. She taught elementary education in Waco until 1964, when she and her husband moved to Lexington, Kentucky, where she taught in the public school system. In 1968 she and her husband returned to Texas, settling in Port Neches. Gail then began a long, fruitful career at Lee Elementary School in Port Arthur. Her annual musical productions were quite popular and thoroughly enjoyed by colleagues and parents. In 1991 Gail was recognized as Teacher of the Year. She retired in 2000.
A superb musician, Gail began playing the piano and organ at an early age. While still in high school she began offering private piano lessons and occasionally playing the organ at Central Baptist Church, Port Arthur. Her career at Central was interrupted by moves with her husband to Waco and Lexington. Upon returning to the area in 1968 she promptly reclaimed her place “on the bench,” where she remained until last week, when she played for the congregation of Central / Grace Baptist Church on New Year's Day, not knowing it would be her last.
In addition to the church, Gail’s family meant everything to her. Together they travelled across the nation, from New York to Oregon. Among their favorite destinations were Colonial Williamsburg; Lincoln City, Oregon; Sanibel, Florida; and Savannah, Georgia.
Gail is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Dr. John (J.W.) Storey; daughters Lisa Gail Storey Payne and husband James; and Cindy (Cynthia Kay) Storey and Jada G; and “favorite” granddaughter Bailey Katherine Payne, for whom Gail’s love was overflowing.
Contributions may be made to a favorite charity. Gail’s favorite charity was Star of Hope Mission in Houston, Texas.
Serving as pallbearers include Lance Bradley, Shane Blenderman, James Payne, Butch Bertin, Stan Stumhoffer and Walter Simmons.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with a celebration of Gail’s life to begin at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 11, 2023, just days prior to her 81st birthday, at Grace Baptist Church of Groves, 3417 Berry Ave., Groves, Texas 77619. The church’s Handbell Choir, of which Gail was the director, will bid her farewell. Interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches.