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Bennie Gayle Shanklin – A Memorial service was held Saturday, March 30 beginning 11 a.m. at Union Missionary Baptist church Greenville. Dr. Jonathan Townsend served as pastor and arrangements were made by Hudson Funeral Service, Greenville. 

On Tuesday evening March 19 at 9:53 p.m., Bennie Gayle peacefully transitioned into the open loving arms of Jesus Christ surrounded by the love of family and friends. No more suffering, no more pain, no more treatments.

Born Jan. 5, 1956 to the late Willie Oliver and Bennell Shanklin, she was the youngest of eight children. one sister, Margarite and four brothers, Willie Frank, Earl, Floyd Lomax and Robert “Nate” preceded her in death.

She was a graduate from Tuskegee University, class of 1979 and later the Cleveland School of Nursing in 1989 where she earned her registered nursing degree. Nursing was her passion and she remained in the nursing profession until she retired. She still worked remotely for Devoted Helping Hands in Cincinnati, Ohio until recently as her health declined. Bennie loved every aspect of the medical profession as much as the love and passion she had for family and friends.

She was never selfish, always giving and sharing unconditionally with others. Gayle was an amazing, strong, courageous and intelligent woman that made all things around her glow with light. She was an inspiration and encouragement, a ray of light in darkness, full of love and kindness. She was affectionately called “Shorty Bang-Bang with a Big and Mighty Heart” and a soul that will live forever.

Home in Alabama is where she always wanted to be after retirement. Two years ago she moved back and it was the happiest she’d ever been. Bennie reunited with her childhood church home Union MB Church and remained a faithful, vocal member until her passing.

Bennie Gayle leaves to cherish her love and memories her son Corey Tucker of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Columbus Tucker of Cleveland, Ohio; sisters Rose Marie Lewis of Cleveland, Ohio and Gwendolyn M. Fluitt of Honoraville; one brother-in-law Dan Dunlap of Cleveland, Ohio; Willie J. Freeman of Cleveland, Ohio, who was like a brother and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends that were so very special to her.