Gayle Shortridge Horton

Gayle Shortridge Horton, 84, of Salisbury, NC, formerly of Swords Creek and Abingdon, VA, was called home to be with Jesus, and her loved ones who had gone before her, the morning of July 6, 2024. She was at peace and in the company of her family. She was born on March 14, 1940. At the time of her passing, she had lived 84 years, three months, and 23 days. She was the daughter of the late William Henry and Okie Florence Meadows Shortridge of Cedar Bluff, VA. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, William Donald Shortridge and Dewey Richard Shortridge, and one son, William Christopher Horton. She was a graduate of Richlands High School class of 1958, a graduate of Bluefield Business College, and she attended Radford University. After college, she worked at Lebanon Apparel as a time-study engineer and then in the business offices at Eastern Isles Manufacturing of Richlands, Clinch Valley Clinic, and Washington Square Clinic. However, the job she loved the most was her time as a teacher's aide at Givens Elementary School. She also loved working with senior citizens and was the director of the Sen-Agers group at Swords Creek Community Baptist Church for several years. Gayle's selflessness was a defining trait. Her greatest pleasure and honor came from caring for her beloved mother for over eighteen months. Not once did she voice either complaint or regret. She was truly a giver and not a taker, leaving a lasting impact on those around her. She met her future husband, Mack, through a mutual friend in August 1964. Sixteen months later, they became one as husband and wife. This marriage produced three beautiful children, whom she adored and who became her life. She is survived by her husband, Arnold Mack Horton, of Salisbury, NC, formerly of Swords Creek, VA. Also surviving is her daughter, Stephanie Cheryl Horton Avery of Salisbury, NC, her son, Arnold Derek Horton, and his wife, Elizabeth Clifton Horton of Simpsonville, SC. Grandchildren David Christopher Avery and wife Sarah Cope Avery of Belmont, NC, and William Henry "Huck" Horton of Simpsonville, SC. Two adopted grandsons, Sergio and Gael Batiste of Salisbury, NC. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and one brother-in-law. The family would like to thank her very special caregiver, Amanda Kellum of Rockwell, NC, and her incredibly special friends and neighbors, Manuel and Frances, of Salisbury, NC, who were always there to lend a helping hand. Also, thanks to the entire team at Novant Hospice of Salisbury, especially her nurse, Erica Cothran, for her exceptional care. Family members will officiate at the funeral service at Hurst Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, VA, on Wednesday, July 10, at 2 p.m. and will receive friends and family for a visitation starting at 1 p.m. Burial will immediately follow the service at the Horton Family Cemetery on Horton Ridge near Raven, VA. The pallbearers will be Christopher Avery, Huck Horton, Keith Shelton, Mike Horton, Jonathan Clifton, and Manuel Uribe. David Avery, Joe Shelton, Don Horton, and Andy Clifton will be honorary pallbearers. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia was in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Gayle Shortridge Horton

March 14, 1940 - July 6, 2024