Gail was baptized on September 17, 1952 at Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton, Illinois.

In 1961, her family moved to Grand Terrace, California, and later, in 1965, to Davis. Gail received her First Communion and was Confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Midwest City. She attended Davis High School.

On October 10, 1969, Gail married Brian McCurry in Gainesville, Texas. Together, they shared 56 years of loving marriage, building a beautiful life together. Gail dedicated more than 30 years of services to the National Park Service, supporting many of our Nation’s treasured parks and monuments. Even after her retirement, she continued serving part-time with the Park Service and later worked for Gordon White Lumber Company and T.H. Rogers Lumber Company.

Gail was a remarkable wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She was a woman of deep and abiding faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a founding member of Hope Lutheran Church in Sulphur, she faithfully served her church community for more than 60 years, including in the role of church secretary.

Her commitment to God, family, friends and community knew no bounds. Gail found joy in gardening, quilting, reading and above all, caring for those she loved. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith touched countless lives and will be remembered by all who knew her.

Gail passed away peacefully at her beloved home on July 16, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Neva Payne; her sister, Ann Lambert; her mother in law, Willa McCurry; her father-in-law, Mac McCurry; and her sisters-in-law, Pat Payne and Debbie Payne.

Gail is lovingly remembered by her husband, Brian McCurry; her brothers, Bill Payne and Mike Payne; her brother-in-law, Daryl Lambert; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jon and Brenda McCurry; brother-in-law, Tad McCurry; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family and cherished friends including Earl and Darlene Coll and Stan and Pam Hefley.

Though she is no longer with us, Gail’s legacy of faith, love, service and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Services were held at Hope Lutheran Church in Sulphur, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday July 23, 2026. Burial followed in Greenhill Cemetery in Davis. Services were under the direction of DeArman Funeral Home in Wynnewood.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hope Lutheran Church (mailing address: 220 East 3rd Street, Sulphur, OK 73086).