Gayle Dean Alverson was born, on August 11, 1945, to the late Emmitt Houston and the late Ozella Parks Houston, in Spartanburg, SC. She was educated in Spartanburg County schools and a 1963 graduate of Lincoln High School. While in high school she played basketball. Gayle continued her education at Rutledge College and earned an Associate degree in business.

Gayle had an outspoken personality. She was extremely passionate about her grandchildren and enjoyed watching them play sports. In her spare time, she enjoyed baking cakes and watching game shows.

Gayle was a member of First Baptist Church of Fairforest. She served on the missionary ministry and on the sympathy club. Gayle served a number of years as the coordinator of the Piedmont Interstate Fair.

Gayle was preceded in death, along with her parents, by her siblings, Gloria Parks and Arthur Parks.

Left to honor and cherish her loving spirit are:  son, Joe (Regina) Alverson of Greer, SC; daughters, Debra Gist of Boiling Springs, SC, Paula Conyers and Angela Alverson both of Spartanburg, SC; sister, Ovedia Park and Delores Johnson both of Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren, Delvin Gist, Anthony Conyers, Cameron Anderson, Rod'drik Geter, T' Keyah Cooper, Javier Alverson, Emilio Alverson, Selina Alverson and Valencia Alverson; 16 great-grandchildren; aunts and uncles; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

On the morning of Thursday, November 30, 2023, Gayle transitioned peacefully at Magnolia Manor. Her loving spirit will be sorely missed by all who knew her.