Gayla McLain Sanders passed away July 1, 2013. She was born June 1, 1926, in the Nat Community of Nacogdoches County, Texas, to William Albert (Willie) and Susan Louella Whitaker (Ella) McLain. Gayla was the youngest of nine children. She attended schools at Nat, Cushing, and Stephen F. Austin State University, where she graduated in 1956.
She married William R.E. (Bill) Stegall in 1944; Richard C. (Dick) Wright in 1947; Buster Harber in 1972; and Fred B. (Buck) Sanders in 1984. She was baptized into the Nat Baptist Church at an early age and later joined Westminister Presbyterian Church, Redeemer Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church, and First Presbyterian Church of Lufkin. She was active in church women’s, garden club, art league, and quilters clubs.
She is survived by her children, Richard Wright, Malinda Wright, and Sandy Wright Smith; also grandchildren, Jesse Wright, Andrew and Natalie Pruitt, and Carli and Casey Smith. Also surviving are a sister, Buene Sitton, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 6, 2013, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel, 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches, officiated by Bro. Dale Weir, pastor of Nat Church. Interment will follow at Nat Cemetery, located on FM 343.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Cason Monk-Metcalf.
Pallbearers will be Casey Smith, Jesse Wright, Mike Smith, Gary Liles, Mark McLain, and Buzz McLain. Honorary pallbearer will be Andrew Pruitt.
Memorials may be made to Nat Cemetery Association, c/o Darrell Trawick, 156 County Road 848, Cushing, TX 75760-5749.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors. Online memories and condolences may be offered at www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com.
