Gail Lee Cawthorne

Gail Lee Cawthorne, 74, of Palmyra, Virginia passed away peacefully at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital on December 6, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born in District of Columbia on March 16, 1951, to Edward and Belva Lee.

Gail lived in Maryland the first few years of her life before her family settled down in Franconia, Virginia. She graduated from Thomas Edison High School in 1969 and worked as a licensed hairdresser. Gail moved to Fluvanna County where she met Lawrence Cawthorne Sr. They were married in Stone Mountain, Georgia and returned to Fluvanna County to start and raise their family.

She spent many years as a substitute teacher for Fluvanna County Public Schools. She worked in all the schools and all areas of the high school including the Special Education, Carpentry, Masonry, and Agriculture classes. She touched many hearts during their academic years, and she is fondly remembered as the fun, witty and fair substitute teacher. While she loved being a mother, her most cherished job was that of a stay-at-home grandma. Gail loved it when her family was gathered for holidays, birthdays and when everyone just showed up. She always had food and drinks in her house. She also loved flowers, birds, and finding new dessert recipes, The Beach Boys, and Elvis.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children; Tammy Richardson (Warren) of Kents Store, Lawrence Cawthorne, Jr (Kasity) of Gordonsville, Gary Cawthorne, and Brian Cawthorne (Morgan) of Palmyra. She will without a doubt be missed by her grandchildren; Jayden Grace (Austin), Parker, Ethan, Trevor, Alaina, Savannah, and honorary granddaughter Zoey. She is also survived by her brother Gary Lee (Kandi) of Gordonsville, Virginia and a host of extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

A service will be held at Fork Union Baptist Church (4745 James Madison Hwy, Fork Union) on December 17th, 2025, at 11 a.m. A private family graveside will be held later in the day. Sheridan Funeral Home (Kents Store) will be handling the arrangements.

The Cawthorne family would like to thank all who have shared love and sympathy during this trying time as their matriarch now resides with the Lord in Heaven.