Gayle Wing

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Gayle Elizabeth Meixner Wing, 81, passed away gracefully in her home in North Little Rock, Arkansas, March 20, 2025, after a stroke last month. 

Gayle was born to Karl and Betty Meixner, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, February 9, 1944. She married George Vann Wing on June 18, 1966, while they were students at Oklahoma State University. Their marriage was later sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on May 14, 1970. 

She and George joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1968, and were pillars of the faith in central Arkansas. She gave the very best of her time, talents, and love as she served in positions of leadership that strengthened the faith and testimonies of all who knew her. She began teaching a daily early-morning scripture study class for high school students that established a solid foundation of faith for hundreds of students for a total of 23 years. 

Gayle was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at Oklahoma State University, where she graduated Magna cum Laude. She studied fashion merchandising in college, but as soon as children came into her life, her focus turned to giving them the best she could offer. She became a teacher at the Montessori School in exchange for tuition to provide her children a strong educational start. She taught each of them to read, fostered and encouraged their creativity, and crafted many family traditions and memories. Her children can trace their personal accomplishments to her praise, confidence, and encouragement. As Yoda would say, a great mother she was.

She always saw the good in her children, which gave them confidence as they discovered their talents and interests. She put her own work into that effort, buying art supplies, driving to music lessons, sewing costumes and uniforms, and supporting paper routes. She even managed a DJ business to support her son Carlton’s interest in broadcast journalism, which also provided income for her other sons. She was always up late and awake early to be available at crucial moments. Her most effective tool for discipline was simply her love—and sincere shock if they fell short.

Her good character created a community of support for her family. She was respected among the PTA, church members, and local civic leaders. She wasn’t afraid of hard work or speaking with the local news. Wherever her children went, there was someone that would do the favor of looking out for them. As a fan of Star Trek, she knew how to “engage,” and what it took to “make it so.”

Gayle was a talented artist and created many portraits in chalk pastel, oil paints, and pen and ink. Her unique hand lettering style was used for many celebratory posters and science fair presentations. She learned just days before her stroke that two of her unique cat calligraphy drawings, used on her daughter Ashley’s pottery, have been granted copyright protection. 

Gayle contributed time to the Shepherd’s Center North Little Rock teaching classes and caring for participants. She was an avid reader and kept up with a dearly loved book club group. She was active in the North Pulaski Republican Women and served most recently as their 1st Vice President. When her active lifestyle outgrew the ability of her hip to keep up, she put a new one to use teaching Zumba dance fitness classes for 12 years. 

Gayle is survived by her husband, George Wing, her children Carlton Wing (Leigh), Shelly Parcell (Allen), Eric Wing (Heather), Brian Wing (Jamie), and Ashley Murphey (Michael). Gayle and George have 20 grandchildren: Jessica Parcell, Jordan Hosler, Madeline Hayes, Lizzie Bakow, Mackenzie Burton, Leo Parcell, Davis Wing, Emily Holladay, Rebecca Wing, Karly Parcell, Ryan Wing, Millie Parcell, Clark Wing, Olivia Wing, Henry Parcell, Maren Wing, Conley Wing, Dylon Wing, Bode Wing, and Cooper Wing. Gayle knew and acknowledged all of the birthdays of her large family.

We rejoice knowing she is reunited with her parents, and her brother, Bill Meixner, who died 53 years ago. 

Services to celebrate her life will be held at 11am on March 29, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 905 Kierre Drive in North Little Rock. A visitation will be Friday, March 28, from 6-8pm, and 9-10:30am on Saturday. The funeral will be live-streamed at this link: http://tiny.cc/Wing_Memorial_YT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Amboy Community Food Pantry or to the NPRW Scholarship Fund. Condolences, stories, or photos of Gayle may be shared at gaylewingmemories@gmail.com.