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Gayle Moore McElveen, 79, of Williamsburg, VA, and formerly of Mooresville, NC, peacefully passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025, at her residence at Edgeworth Park at Newtown in Williamsburg, VA. She was born September 18, 1946, in Mooresville, NC, daughter of the late Harold "Hap" and Louise Moore. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband George G. McElveen Jr. Gayle had a strong sense of self that served her well as a Navy wife. Often on her own for months at a time while George was at sea, Gayle became a self-sufficient parent who learned to manage a household and raise two children independently. She loved her husband, George, dearly. Together, they enjoyed spending time with friends-bowling, playing cards, and simply sitting and chatting. They shared this love of games with their children and often spent evenings playing Uno, Sorry, and many other games with Patrick and Natalie. Gayle took pride in being a mother and in raising her children. Over the years, she worked several retail jobs but spent much of her "free" time volunteering and serving as the bookkeeper for the Langley AFB Thrift Shop. When George passed away in 2001, much changed for Gayle; however, her focus on family never wavered. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, particularly Darren, whom she was fortunate to care for for several days a week when he was younger. She happily watched episodes of Thomas the Train with him, and later Paw Patrol with Connor and Peppa Pig with Maggie. She treasured every opportunity to be with her grandchildren and, like all grandparents, delighted in spoiling them with gifts and treats. Gayle will be remembered as a loving wife, sister, aunt, friend, and a caring mother and grandmother. She leaves a lasting legacy to be cherished by her survivors, her children, Patrick B. McElveen and wife Kara of Herndon, VA, Natalie M. Cherry and husband Jeffrey of Gloucester Point, VA; her grandchildren, Darren Lapp, Connor McElveen, Margaret McElveen; her sister, Barbara M. DeVane and husband Lyle of Cornelius, NC. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, from 2-3 PM at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Association. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the McElveen family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

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Gayle Moore McElveen

September 18, 1946 - December 21, 2025