Services for Gayle Richardson, 74, of Marshall, Texas will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 22, 2024, in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home with Bro. Craig Evers and Bro. Billy Harris officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at the funeral home.

Gayle was born on August 26, 1949, in Marshall, Texas to Lorin Marvin Cawood, Sr. and Betty Mae Miller Cawood and passed away on February 19, 2024, in Jefferson, Texas.

She was a graduate of Marshall High School. She married Dean Richardson on August 23, 1968, at Pope City Baptist Church and the two remained married until her passing. Growing up in the Woodlawn Community she enjoyed spending time on Caddo Lake with her family. Her hobbies included fishing, water skiing, cooking for the "crew" during hunting season and just enjoying life to the fullest. She was an active member of Pope City Baptist Church. She was employed by the State of Texas for many years. She worked at Downs Funeral Home from 2005 to 2022 as a funeral assistant. She was a very strong and hard-working woman. If she loved you, she loved you unconditionally and would do anything for you. She had no problem with telling you how it was and would keep you on your toes. She will definitely be missed by everyone that knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Betty Cawood and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rayburne and Marie Richardson.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Dean Richardson; her daughter, Kim Richardson; her brother, Marvin Cawood and wife, Glenda; Brother in law, Clayton Richardson ;grandchildren, Shelby Foster and Trey Foster; great grandchildren, Remington Kirkland, Easton Minor, Carter Foster, Kinsleigh Minor, Hunter Marlar, Brantley Marlar, Cameron Foster and Cayden Foster; special friends, Bonnie "Bootsie" Aiken and Keith Boyd along with several nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in her honor to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation and/or the Samaritan Purse.