“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Gail Janice Smith Peay, the daughter of the late Henry Smith and Ella Marie Admiral Smith, was born on February 3, 1954 in Charleston, SC. She departed this earthly life on June 25, 2026 in Chesnee, SC. Gail was raised by an extended family that included her parents; grandmother, the late Wilhelmina Brown Admiral; aunts, the late Pearl Admiral McPhail and Wilhelmina Admiral Frasier (the late Lewis G.); and uncle, Clarence Ira Admiral.

Gail attended the public schools of Charleston County and was a graduate of Burke High School’s Class of 1971. She furthered her education at Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama, and graduated in May 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She also completed advanced studies in Human Resources and Business.

Gail held many managerial positions in the fields of Human Resources and Community Relations. Her final years of employment were spent doing what she loved most, serving as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for Habitat for Humanity Greenville County. Gail loved serving the community!

Gail loved to travel with family and friends. The trip of a lifetime for her was going to Ghana, Africa, in 2022 with family, where she said “she was home!”

Gail was also a foodie! She loved going to restaurants and trying different types of food. At home, she enjoyed preparing the various dishes she came to like over the years.

Gail’s life and memories will be cherished by her husband, Anthony Peay; her daughter, Joylyn N. Smith (Shawn); grandchildren, Joshua J. Smith and Linda Marie Graves; cousins-sisters, Rev. Dr. Joyce E. McPhail, Theresa M. McPhail Lazarus (Jerome), and Deidra L. Frasier; uncle, Rev. Clarence I. Admiral (the late Ann M. Admiral); and cousins, Lt. General Kevin D. Admiral (Charmain), Michael L. Admiral, and Kaitlyn Admiral.

Gail’s circle of love also includes a host of cousins from the Admiral and Bennett families; lifelong friends ArthurMae, Maureen (Jenae’), Olivia, Belinda (Bobby), Cynthia Farmer, and Cynthia Fryer, to name a few. Her extended family and friends are numerous and loved her tremendously!

“So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:6–8 NKJV