Gayle Laverne Jacobson

Gayle Laverne Jacobson, 70, died peacefully on April 8 with family at her side. She was born November 11, 1948, to the late Amos and Lizzie Millsap, in Abilene, TX. She graduated from Abilene High School in 1967. Upon graduation from high school she attended Evangel College in Springfield, MO. In 1976, Gayle married the late Alvin Jacobson, becoming stepmother to his teenage sons. They lived in New Mexico, Maryland, Iowa, Alaska, Morocco, Texas, and California due to Al’s work as a field engineer, retiring to Niceville, FL in 1991.

Following their retirement to Florida, Gayle became active in politics. She worked on many campaigns, and as an elections clerk and inspector trainer. She was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to two terms on the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority. Gayle served as President of Florida Women’s Political Network. She was appointed by Senate President Don Gaetz as a commissioner to the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. While serving as a commissioner, she rewrote the by-laws for the organization. Gayle’s most rewarding work came from working as a volunteer, then an employee of the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center.

Gayle’s dedicated work for the Republican Party included service as Vice President for the Florida Federation of Republican Women, Secretary of the Okaloosa County Republican Executive Committee, President of Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated, and Parliamentarian for Niceville Republican Women Federated.

Among Gayle’s many talents was painting, which she enjoyed for many years in her spare time. She enjoyed spending time with her neighbors and friends, which she affectionately termed “her Florida family.” Gayle loved her visits to Germany to be with her daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Preceding Gayle in death were her beloved husband Alvin (Al), her parents Amos and Lizzie Millsap, her brother Charles Millsap, and a deceased nephew. Gayle is survived by her brother Stanley (and Naomi) Millsap, sister-in-law Isobell Millsap, brother Douglas (and Carole) Millsap,step-son Gary Jacobson, daughter-in-law Sindy Jacobson, four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, four nephews, four nieces, two great nieces, two great nephews, and one great great nephew.

A Memorial service for Gayle will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville, FL. Delivering her eulogy will be Gayle’s friend and former Senator Don Gaetz. Gayle’s cremains will be interred with her late husband at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL.

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