Gay Gutierrez Thomas, 86, of Holmes Beach, passed peacefully in her sleep May 4, 2022.
Gay was born in Tampa May 9, 1935. She married Tommie Thomas and had two children. Her family have been residents of Holmes Beach, Florida since 1945. She has far reaching roots in Tampa, Sarasota, Holmes Beach and Fort Worth, Texas. Gay and Tommie built their home in Holmes Beach in 1961 and she still owned that home at the time of her death.
Gay was happiest when everyone around her house was happy. She was generous to a fault and made everyone feel welcomed and invited. She had the amazing gift of making whoever she was with feel special and she never ran out of energy when it came to doing for others. Her legendary story telling came from her pride in her family’s history and from life experiences. No matter where she was, Gay was “a mother to all of us.”
One of her many qualities was that of a teacher. She was recognized with the “Award of Merit” in the Boy Scouts of America due to her exceptional leadership. Her creative mind was used many times with her family, camp fire girls, cub scouts, neighborhood activities, beach exploration, family vacations, and church events. This is where she excelled by motivating and teaching everyone with creative activities.
Her loving care as a wife, mother and grandmother was extraordinary. Her daily goal was ensuring the comfort, safety and happiness of her family. Her husband was spoiled (in a good way); her children loved and cherished her; and her devoted grandchildren benefitted the most from her selfless and loving care.
We will miss her every day, but we are comforted knowing she is now healed and in the light of the face of God, along with her husband, Tommie and son, Jimmy. She is happy and healthy now.
Gay is preceded in death by her husband, Tommie; son, Jimmy; and sister, Dee Gutierrez Grayson Gay is survived by her daughter, Cindy Griffin; son-in-law, Greg Griffin; grandchildren Allen, Jim and Christina; and brother Bob Gutierrez.