GALE BOYKIN

Eleanor “Gayle” Williams Boykin, 66, wife of Avery W. Boykin, died Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, at Palmetto Health Richland in Columbia.

Born April 15, 1950, in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Herbert Williams Sr. and the late Ora Lee Williams.

She was a member of St. Marks United Methodist Church. She was employed as an office equipment sales representative for 45 years and recently retired from Herald Office Supply.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years; two sons, Woody Boykin (Stacy) and Trever Boykin all of Sumter; special nieces, Amber Lynn Belt and Courtney Lee Belt; a brother, Herbert Williams Jr. (Phyllis) of Sumter; two sisters, Lois Watford (Carrol) of Sumter and Wilma Berry (Dan) of Lancaster; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Guinevere Williams Goodson and Dorothy “Dot” Smith; and a brother, Melvin E. Williams Sr.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at St. Marks United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jamie Williams and the Rev. Allen Vaught officiating. Burial will follow in the Sumter Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Robert Smith, Ron Watford, Eddie Smith, Jody Smith, Tyler Nobles and Cody Carnes.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home, 445 Derek Drive.

Memorials may be made to St. Marks United Methodist Church, 27 Broad St., Sumter, S.C. 29150.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.