Fay Elizabeth Gaither, 53, of Glen Burnie, MD, formerly of West Chester, PA, passed on Monday, March 20, 2017. Born January 30, 1964 in West Chester, PA, she was the daughter of Jennie Tucker Gaither and the late Rufus W. Gaither.
She attended schools in the West Chester Area School District graduating from Henderson High School in 1981. She later graduated from Virginia Union with a BA in Social Work.
For over twenty years, she worked as a social worker with Chester County Children, Youth and Families, retiring in 2014. For the past three years, she worked with Benedictine School in Ridgely, MD as a life counselor for under privileged adults.
In her early years, she attended St. Paul’s Baptist Church in West Chester, PA.
Fay enjoyed music, reading, dancing and doing crossword puzzles. She also loved traveling, camping, riding motorcycles but most of all she loved her family. She was a member of TNBC (Top Notch Bike Club) of Maryland and The Exquisite Ladies Motorcycle Association of Philadelphia, PA.
Fay was outgoing and loved life to the fullest.
Besides her mother, she is survived by one daughter, Yasmin J. Dixon of Lancaster, PA, one son, Chance W. Williams of West Chester, PA; two grandchildren; three sisters, Jennie E. Gaither of Lancaster, PA, Ruth E. Thornton of Schwenksville, PA and Pearl E. Gaither of West Chester, PA, a host of relatives and friends along with her fiancé, Edward A. Tabor Jr., with whom she resided.
Anna Caffarelli
March 16, 2023
❤
Anna Caffarelli
March 16, 2022
❤
Anna C
March 16, 2021
Miss your smile and laughter!
Rosa Stokes
March 16, 2021
My heart still aches. I miss my friend.
Rosa Stokes
March 16, 2019
I still miss my friend. The hole her passing left is still just as big.
Love you Hooch
Rosa/Joan
Rev. Tiffany Martin
March 30, 2017
We are praying for you during your time of loss. May the Holy Spirit comfort you during this difficult time. Our heart mourns with you the loss of Sis. Fay. Love in Christ, The Bethel AME Church Family.
Rosa (Hooch, Joan)
March 30, 2017
On Monday, March 20th I lost my dear friend Fay (aka Fay Fay, Maya). I met Fay when she began employment in the Intake unit in 1994. I remember being so excited as there was someone just as short as me. Fay and I became instant friends. With Fay being from WC and both of us knowing many of the same people, it was surprising that our paths hadn't crossed prior to her coming to the County. I remember getting hanging out in Downingtown with Fay, Big Beverly, Lil Beverly, Wayne and the kids. I remember back then eating some of the best Collard Greens I have ever tasted. I don't know what Big Beverly put in them but they were awesome. I remember meeting Fay's mom and thinking oh my Fay is her twin. One of the sweetest ladies you could ever meet is Mrs. Gaither. Then came the sister's what can I say? Jennie, Ruth and Pearl sometimes Fay would just shake her head. She would say, What am I going to do with them.
Over the years Fay and my friendship grew. She was my ride or die friend. You could tell Fay something in private and that's where it stayed. She left with soooo many of our shared secrets. We got to know each other so well that all we had to say was, Girl. She got me and I her. Now, she would also on occasion have to set me straight. She would do it such a quiet manner that I would later say to myself, did she just lay me out? Fay had the quiet way of doing things. She could get the most disgruntle of clients to agree to services. She had that special knack of working people. Should could walk into a room not knowing anyone and within 15 minutes know half the people in the room. I would sit back and go wow you did it again.
Fay was the first member of the GIRLFRIENDS travel group. It was during our travels that we would refer to ourselves as GIRLFRIENDS. We took on the roles of Joan, Toni, Lyn and Moncia. And just like the women on the popular t.v. show we had tons of laughs filled with sarcasm. You know the kind of laughter you have that makes your side ache? That's the laughter we had whenever we were together. Fay/Maya was the mom of the group. She kept us in line and when one of us went a little too far picking on the other, she would give us a look and say, why? Once when we went to Florida the two Carmen's got lost in the development. Fay went out to find them, as I of course refused. Upon return the one Carmen (guess which one) had a whole lot of lip about me not accompanying Fay to look for them. Finally, after having enough of Carmen's banter Fay told her to stop fussing or the next time she would also not come to find her. Now, the part missing is that Fay was with me when we watched the two Carmen's miss the street and keep walking. Fay agreed with me to let them keep walking to see how far they would go before they realize we aren't behind them. I think I can say with authority, that Fay brought out the best in us. There are so many stories from our travels to Florida, Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Atlanta and North Carolina. These trips will hopefully forever be embedded in our minds.
The last time I saw Fay was when she was hospitalized after one of her surgeries. I was off from work and went down to surprise her. When I entered the room she yelled HOOCH! The nurse gave a look and then we started laughing followed by tears of excitement to see each other. We spent that day talking about old times, work and where we should go on our next trip. However, the best part of the day came when Fay talked about how proud she was of her children, Yasmin and Chance. She was also especially proud of her two grandchildren. She talked about how Yasmin and Chance look out for one another. Her entire mood changed and she brightened up as she talked about them. Watching Yasmin and Chance over the past few days is refreshing as I see so much of Fay in them. She raised remarkable children into responsible young adults.
And Tony T, thank you for being my friends nurse while she recuperated at home. But most importantly thank you for being her companion. I remember when she brought you to dinner to meet us. I was a little skeptical I must admit, but she said, Hooch he's a good man. And she didn't lie. You have been there through thick and thin and I am forever grateful that you motorcycled your way into her life.
When Yasmin called me on Monday and said her mom was hospitalized and what condition she was in I felt different about this hospitalization. I knew Fay was tired. I knew she was tired of treatments, tired of not having an appetite, tired of seeing doctors, tired of not feeling well and being poked and prodded. So, I suspect Fay was ready to go and with that I can find comfort within the pain. A part of me left with Fay and a part of her stays with me. Her passing has changed my life and I must find my new normal. I am blessed to have met a wonderful, loving friend on 7/11/1994.
Pam Opie
March 27, 2017
I will always remember your big smile, your laugh, and your love of music. Memories of all our great times together; our first meeting at VUU; the birth of your children and so many others. I will hold these memories to my heart like the precious DIAMONDS that they are. I will miss you! I love you, Shorty. RIP
Theresa Terry
March 25, 2017
WE LUV AND MISS YOU LIL CUZ,
FROM UR CUZZOS, NEAR & FAR
Theresa Terry
March 25, 2017
Your "Truly Home" Lil Cuz...I'm happy for you...we'll all be together one day
Brenda Ryan
March 25, 2017
MY condolences to the family. Fay was always pleasant and that great smile of hers. I grew up with and her sisters and then our kids grew up together and they called her aunt Fay. RIP we will miss you but i know you are with God now and he is taking care of you and Nina. Love you
Arlene Goodwin
March 24, 2017
My condolence to the family. R.I.P you will be missed.
Tracy Beckett
March 23, 2017
When I think of Fay it was her smile. She was always so pleasant when I saw her.I am saddened to hear of her passing!I know she is with Father God at peace
Phillip Durnell
March 23, 2017
We offer our condolences to the Gaither Family. So sorry to hear of the passing of my old neighbor. Fay was a really beautiful young lady. May we cherish the memories we had with her. Prayers in abundance!
Dawn Dodson
March 23, 2017
Fay was a great person. She would brighten up a room with her beautiful smile and laugh. She was truly a caring loving individual who wanted to help others. If you every had to the chance to meet her your surely would not forget her as that was just her way. Love ya my sista Ms. Fay! I will continue to pray for the family as the walk through this life without her and know that you will one day see her again. Remembering she is always in your heart and everything you do as she is a part of each and everyone of you. She loved you all very dearly. May God bless you through this process.
Gloria Anderson
March 23, 2017
Fay
I worked with Fay and the county. She was a great friend. Always took the time to stop and talk with me.. RIP sister
Anna Caffarelli
March 22, 2017
I worked with Fay for over 20 years. She was a kind and lovimg woman, dedicated in making a difference by helping others. She always had a smile on her face and a quick sense of humor that would brighten up anyone's day! She will be missed.
Jami Coleman
March 22, 2017
You are truly the sister I never had. I could come to you for anything with no judgement. I cherished our private talks, long lunches, dance parties, and even when you kicked me out of my car because I couldn't parallel park and was taking too long and you wanted your New Haven pizza! There are too many memories and I will remember them all as I will always remember you as my "otie". I love you Fay Fay
Rocky Merritt
March 22, 2017
To the family ,
Please remember that she is going but never will be forgotten,she was a beautiful person ,so full of life and energy. She definitely had her way with children. Jahkai and jay jay always loved the time they spent with her. I am in all saying gone way to soon ,but God makes no mistakes and we can always say we loved her but her loved her best. May your heart heal by the memories you hold of her and through the years you will find peace. God bless you.
Rocky and Tabreya
Janet Boyce
March 22, 2017
I remember Fay as one who supported, encouraged and smiled always. As a fresh caseworker in Chester County, she always made me feel that I had value no matter what my experience and at the end of the day, said "let it go" " you did your best," and "go home!" Truly a special person. In the short time I knew you, I will always remember you! Rest In Peace dear lady. Janet Boyce.
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