Gaynell S. McAlister

November 17, 1925 - April 26, 2022

Lily Gaynell McAlister, widow of the late J. Earl McAlister of Travelers Rest, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, April 26, 2022. Born in the Tigerville Community of Greenville County, she was the daughter of the late Croel David and Pearl Geraldine Southerlin Sudduth. Gaynell attended Highland Elementary School and graduated from Jordan High School in 1942. Following graduation she was employed in the public sector at Renfrew Bleachery, Hope Reed, Carolina Blouse, Macshore Classics and EM-TEX. Gaynell was an excellent seamstress, outstanding homemaker, marvelous cook and cherished, adored mother. Caring for family, loved ones, and others in need was a passion of hers and highlighted her gentle and devoted nature. Gaynell was an active member of First Baptist Church, Travelers Rest as long as her health permitted. She was a life member and Past Matron of Travelers Rest Chapter #205, Order of the Eastern Star, where she earned the honorary title of “Fried Pie Lady” and was currently a life member of Greer Chapter #151, Order of the Eastern Star. Gaynell is survived by her daughter, Elaine M. Burgess of Travelers Rest; granddaughter, Whitney C. French(Wally) of the Tigerville Community; grandson, Joshua E. Cheatham(Krystal) of Newberry; three great-grandchildren: Lily Harper French, Claudia Shelby French and Easton James Cheatham and nieces and nephews whom she loved. In addition to her parents and husband, Gaynell was predeceased by her daughter, Wanda M. DuBard; son-in-law, W.C. "Bill" Burgess; brothers and sisters-in-law, Colman D. and Sarah Jo Sudduth, and Carroll A. and Lucille Sudduth; father and mother-in-law, W.T. and Gertrude G. McAlister, and her step-mother Maida Westmoreland Sudduth. The family will receive friends Friday, April 29, 2022, from 11:30am until 12:45 pm at First Baptist Church, Travelers Rest with funeral service to follow at 1:00pm. Interment will be in Mountain View Memorial Park. For those desiring, memorials may be made to “Lottie Moon Mission Offering”, First Baptist Church, Travelers Rest, 20 McElhaney Road, Travelers Rest, SC 29690 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929. The family will be at the McAlister residence.