Gayle Ophelia Toulson Dunn

Mrs. Gayle Ophelia Toulson Dunn was born in Richmond, Virginia on May 26, 1959. She was the fifth and youngest child of the late Mr. Clifton Toulson Sr. and Mrs. Meatrice Toulson. She transitioned from this life on July 9, 2022.

Gayle spent her formative years growing up in Reedville, Virginia. She was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church in Reedville, Virginia where she was a member of the youth choir, Sunday School and various church organizations. She earned her high school diploma from Northumberland High School in 1977 where she was a member of the track and field team. Gayle then graduated from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) in 1981 where she became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., and earned a Bachelor of Art degree in Economics.

She met the love of her life, Lee Edward Dunn Jr. in Baltimore, Maryland to whom she married on January 16, 1988 after which they settled in Raleigh, North Carolina to begin a life together. She built a career working in insurance through the years but always found her greatest moments in dedicating time to her family and friends. For many years Gayle was an active Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher at First Baptist Church in Raleigh. Along with her church life, she was an active member of the Omicron Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., where she would volunteer to help with community service projects including Breakfast with Santa and the Blue and White Ball.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Clifton Toulson Sr. and Mrs. Meatrice Toulson. She leaves with the fondest memories her loving and devoted husband, her two sons, Travis and Troy, her siblings, Clifton Toulson Jr. (Betty) of Upper Marlboro, MD, Charles Toulson (Ethel) of Windsor Mill, MD, Helen Parris (Calvin) of Catonsville, MD and Wade Toulson (Christa) of Colonial Heights, VA, sister-in-law, Drusilla Dunn of Raleigh, NC and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

 Funeral service at 11:00 AM Thursday July 14, 2022 at the C.A. Haywood, Sr. Memorial Chapel preceded by a 10:00 AM Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Service. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM.  Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens.  Viewing from 2:00 - 8:00 PM Wednesday July 13, 2022 at Haywood Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please make a monetary donation to:

First Baptist Church 

http://www.raleighfirstbaptist.org/donations.html

OR

Hampton University

https://givetohamptonu.org/ways-to-give/.

*****SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED*****

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