Gail V. Shafer

Gail V. Shafer, age 93, of Crown City, Ohio, passed away peacefully at Abbyshire Nursing Center on Thursday, October 19, 2023. She was born on February 19, 1930 in Gallipolis, Ohio. Gail was the daughter of the late Joseph Dewey and Helen Halley Wilcoxon. In addition to her parents, Gail was preceded in death by her husband, Fairrell Shafer; sister, Ruth Saunders; brothers, Willis, Ronald, Leland, Dallas, and Melvin Wilcoxon; and son-in-law, Ted Collins.

Gail met the love of her life while working at the Morris Five and Ten in Gallipolis, and they enjoyed 66 years of marital bliss. Gail prepared meals for many farm hands over decades of seasons. She played the mandolin in the family gospel group. Gail had served as a pianist for her church and community for many years. Without vision, she could amaze any crowd on the keys. In her later years, she performed daily concerts for Fairrell and rarely took a day off.

She is survived by one brother, Merrill (Judy) Wilcoxon; sister-in-law, Phyllis Wilcoxon; sister-in-law, Naomi Wilcoxon; daughter, Sue Collins; son, Randy (Sandra) Shafer; grandchildren, Ryan (Rachel) Shafer, Trevor (Meghan) Shafer, Rebecca (Joe) Lemaster, Dr. James Derek Collins, and Hannah Shafer; and great grandchildren, Reid, Ryleigh, Rayna, Eli, Ian, Davin, Violet, and Lila Sue.

The funeral service for Gail will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Jamie Fortner officiating. Burial will follow in Swan Creek Cemetery. Friends and family may call prior to the service Sunday from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.