Gail was married to her second husband, the love of her life, Jim Karlo, for 41 years. She is the mother of Dewey Ballard Jr., Donna Buettner, Pamela (Brian) Brown, Jimmy (Michelle) Ballard, and bonus mom to Cindi (Stretch) Madascy, and Steve Karlo.
Gail has 8 grandchildren Katie Holz (Charles Cook), Robert Ballard, Angela Golden, David Buettner, JT Ballard, Chase Karlo, Alex Karlo, and Reese Brown, and 8 great grandchildren.
The matriarch of her family, she was proceeded in passing by her parents Helen & Charles Whitfield, two older brothers and one brother who passed in infancy. Survived by three younger brothers, Joe (Trish) Whitfield, Robert (Chiara) Whitfield, & Cliff (Donna) Whitfield.
Gail is also a loving Aunt who will be missed by many nieces and nephews.
When Gail made a friend she kept them for life. She was the only girl in her family so she gathered her sisters in life through friendship. Gail could not pass up a puzzle or a good book. She was an avid reader who always had a book in her hand or by her side at all times. She loved going to church and the extended family she gave herself there.
Having learned to balance motherhood and working outside her home she was successful in both. She was the most competitive person and loved to play Mexican Train (a domino game) and Aggravation. Her great grandson named her the Silent Savage for her ruthless unwavering desire to win!
Gail ran her race, she won, and she has gone on to receive her trophy. Her Lord and Savior surely presented it to her when she arrived at those pearly gates.
Her funeral service will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Brown Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mac Fulcher officiating. Visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. before the service. Interment will follow at 3:00 P.M. in the Roberts Cemetery in Wewahitchka, Florida.
Brown Funeral Home & Blue Lake Crematory of Chipley, FL is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online register at https://www.brownfh.net/obituaries/abigail-whitfield-karlo