Gail Barnett Smith

02/05/1943 - 04/03/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and cherished friend, Gail Barnett Smith. Gail passed away peacefully in the early morning of April 3, 2025 in Opelika, AL at the age of 82 after a short fight with cancer. She was a beacon of warmth and kindness to all of those that knew and loved her.

Her memory and legacy lives on in her surviving family members, including her loving husband of 39 years, Philip "Duke" Smith, in her children, Paige (Paul) Moeller and J.J. (Melissa) Barnett, in her grandchildren, Jeremy Sherrer, Zachary Sherrer, Payton Moeller (fiancé Wesley Burkett), Paxton Moeller, Magg Barnett, and Charlotte Barnett, in her great grandchild, Cameron Worley, in her siblings Nancy Wilchar Tarabay and Burt (Tina) Wilchar, and in countless other family and friends. She will be welcomed into Heaven by her daughter, Marnie Barnett Sherrer, her parents, Julia and Willard Wilchar, and her first husband, Tony Barnett.

Gee Gee, as she was lovingly known by her family and friends, was born Priscilla Gail Wilchar on Feb 5, 1943 in Manchester, GA. She served 40 years in Human Resources at Lee County Sherriff's Department before retiring in 2011. She loved her family and friends fiercely, was endlessly compassionate and giving, always putting other's needs before her own. Her role as a grandmother was one of her greatest joys. She is leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. She was a true inspiration and guiding light. She was known for her unwavering strength and gentle spirit. She will be terribly missed but her laugh will be heard and love will be felt from heaven.

The family invites you to celebrate the life of Gail, on Tues, April 8 at First Baptist Church of Opelika, AL. Visitation from 1-2pm followed by a memorial service at 2pm. Internment immediately to follow at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika.

Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They will weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. - Psalm 126: 3-6

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with all arrangements.