Gayla Lynn Huff

Gayla Lynn Cauthen Huff was called home to be with her Lord on November 8, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 85. Gayla was born to Jack E. Cauthen and Robbie Hall Cauthen in Huntsville, Texas, on May 29, 1938. She is preceded in death by her parents and her son, Lee Huff. Gayla is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Robert W. Huff; daughters Sara (Josh) Butrin and Suzanne (Trevor) Pokorney; brother Jack L. (Janet) Cauthen; grandchildren Carson (Charlotte) Huff, Kiley (Austin) Pradon, Jake Pokorney, Rache Pokorney, Olivia (Nico) Grage-Martinez, Noah Grage, Jack Grage, and Garrison Butrin; great-grandchildren Ralston Huff and Whitley Pradon; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gayla graduated from Iraan High School in 1956 where she was a varsity cheerleader and a state champion in Declamation. She attended Texas Tech University and earned a degree in education with a certification in speech therapy. She met Robert "Bob" while at Texas Tech, and they were married in 1958.

After college, Gayla and Bob lived in San Antonio, then in Houston where Bob went to medical school. Gayla taught elementary school and speech therapy. They moved to Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, and finally settled in San Antonio in 1969.

Being a wife to Bob and a mother to Lee, Sara, and Suzanne were the most important, fulfilling jobs in Gayla's life. Nothing delighted her more than to be surrounded by her family. Of great importance to Gayla, too, was worshiping at First Baptist Church, San Antonio. Serving others also played a big part in her life. She volunteered in countless ways-Sunday School teacher, Girl Scout leader, PTA member, and child literacy program mentor.

Near Gayla's heart were her friends from her quilting group. The group of 11 women gathered weekly for over 35 years to make beautiful quilts and to share in each other's lives. Their decades-long friendship was a source of great joy and support to Gayla over the years. She loved each of them dearly. Paisano Baptist Encampment near Alpine, Texas, was also dear to Gayla. Along with her parents, children, and eventually grandchildren, she faithfully attended camp each summer for over 40 years. She enjoyed hearing wonderful preaching, singing hymns, and fellow shipping with family members and dear friends.

Gayla loved to travel. Some of her best memories involved family vacations such as road trips, ski trips, and beach vacations. Gayla and Bob visited all 50 states and 6 continents. Her four trips to Africa were particularly special to her.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, Dr. Sukeshi Arora, Dr. Angelica Davila, Dr. Ronald Stewart, Dr. Kristen Plastino, and the staff of Heart of Texas Hospice for the exceptional care they gave Gayla. Their kindness and compassion touched all of our hearts.

Gayla will be lovingly remembered by family and friends for her love, warmth, kindness, energy, humor, and beautiful smile. She is dearly loved and deeply missed, but those who love her are comforted in knowing she is now in the presence of her Savior.

Memorial Service

Saturday, December 16, 2023

11:00 A.M.

First Baptist Church, San Antonio

Wilson Chapel

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Paisano Encampment in her memory at Paisano Baptist Assembly, P.O. Box 973, Alpine, TX 79831.