Lougenia (Lou) Gabard

Lougenia (Lou) Gillis Gabard, 90, of Valdosta, Georgia died April 2, 2014 at the Langdale Hospice House. She was born on May 10, 1923 in Soperton, Georgia to Jennie Belle Perry Gillis and Neil Lee Gillis, Jr. She married Dr. William (Bill) Montgomery Gabard on November 18, 1961. He preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her brothers, Benjamin Kennon Gillis, Neil Lee Gillis, III and cousin Senator Hugh M. Gillis.
She is survived by a cousin, Jim L. Gillis and a nephew, David Lee Gillis of Soperton, niece, Jeannine Gillis, great nieces, Rachel Gillis Bryant, Mollie Gillis and great great niece Montgomery L. Bryant of Jacksonville, Florida; sister-in-law Marie Gillis, nieces Lee Ellen Gillis and Maria Gillis, nephews Barron Gillis and Neil Gillis of Soperton.
Lou has been a long time resident of Valdosta. She graduated from Breneau College where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. As a teacher of Business Education, Lou served on the faculties of Valdosta High School and Valdosta State College.
As a devoted couple who were married forty five years, Dr. and Mrs. Gabard enjoyed traveling all over the world. They made many trips to India, a favorite country.
Lou leaves a legacy for her hospitality, etiquette and generosity. Her grace as a hostess honored many guests with her delectable meals. Loyalty and devotion were her gifts to friends. She will be remembered as a devoted daughter, sister, wife, aunt, niece and friend. She remained active and independent living each day to its fullest. It is no irony that Lou had a stroke while exercising on the elliptical machine at the YMCA.
She was active in the Christ Episcopal Church, the Symphony Guild, The Colonial Dames, The Mystery Club and the Book Review Club.
Honoring her request, there will be no visitation. The Service of Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Valdosta. The Reverend Joye Cantrell and the Reverend Tar Drazdowski will officiate. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at the Gillis Family Cemetery in Soperton.
Special appreciation goes to her faithful companions John Henry Fead, Crystal Bedgood and Mary Sherman.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, designation The Grandpa Fund; The Valdosta State University Foundation, designation The Valdosta Symphony; Hospice of South Georgia, designation Langdale Hospice House; or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be left at www.mclanecares.com . Carson McLane Funeral Home, Valdosta and Sammons Funeral Home, Soperton are serving the family.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602