I moved from Northern Virginia to the Northern Neck (Warsaw) in 2006. I knew Katherine Stout, Gay's sister, from Northern Virginia. She knew I enjoyed fishing so she introduced me to her sister, Gay. Well, I not only fished I became Legislative Chair for the VFW Auxiliary for three years, then the Secretary for the newly organized Main St ree Program and I don't know what else. Gay became my mentor and protector. She introuduced me to everyone, helped me get involved with the "right" people in Richmond County and taught me more than I ever thought I needed. I visited Gay in the hospital the Sunday before she came home (while everyone else was in church). We had a wonderful visit recalling old times and what we'd accomplished in those few years. I'll always think of Gay as a moving target. People half her age couldn't keep up with her. She was the backbone of the VFW Auxilary in Warsaw and served in many capacities there and in the State. Her heart belonged to our verterans and their families. She never stopped fighting for them. She and Ruth Brown were my greatest supporters in the programs I undertook as Legislative Chair. I'll never forget our trips to Richmond for doctors appointments. We always ate at a great place for lunch and then argued about the check. She thought because I went with her that she had to pay the check. I fooled her most of the time. I shall miss Gay. She is leaving a huge hole in my heart. Sleep well, my friend, until we meet again. I love you dearly.
Darleen Nichols
Posted by Darleen R. Nichols
