In loving memory of Gail Arlene Tubbs, who passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 30, 2025, at the age of eighty-five. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 13, 1940, the youngest of 11 children to the late Frank Bentley Brooks (b. 1885) and Mary Marie Brooks (Moore) (b. 1899): Randall Lee; Frank Bentley; James Edward; Marie Alice; Ralph Morgan; Robert Wendell; Paul Leonard; Nathan Eugene; Frederick Douglas; and Marvin Owen. Her life is a testament to the power of determination, a caring heart and love of family.
Growing up “The Baby” of a large family in the 1940’s, Gail learned resilience, the importance of being thankful for what you have, doing your best, that family sticks together, and to treat others as you’d like to be treated. She carried these qualities throughout her life, becoming a force of love and strength to all who knew her.
After starting kindergarten in September 1945, which coincided with the end of World War II, Gail met her three older brothers (Randall, Frank & James) who’d fought in the Normandy Invasion and Italy against Mussolini. It was in kindergarten that she met four little girls who would become her lifelong friends – Geraldine Sloan, Scherrie Stewart, Marlene Watson, and Dorothy Harden. For 80 years, these friends have navigated every season of life together. Their friendship has been constant.
A person of deep faith, Gail accepted Christ at the age of twelve and was a was a lifelong member of St. Paul United Methodist Church. She participated in the Junior Church Choir, Senior Choir, United Methodist Women’s Ministry, served as a Parish Nurse, and on numerous committees over the decades. Her commitment was a testament to her steadfast love for her church.
Gail attended John Adams High School, where she excelled academically, graduating in the class of 1958. Her love of healthcare began when she volunteered as a hospital Candy Striper in her teens which led her to pursue a career in Nursing. She attended Marymount Hospital School of Practical Nursing, graduating in 1960.
She married Reed Allen Tubbs, Sr., in 1963. Gail’s greatest joys were her immediate and extended family. She was a devoted wife and loving mother to Janice Marie, Reed Allen, Jr., and Joyce Arlene. She cherished her role as a grandmother to Brittany Nicole Tolbert (Justin), Brandon Elliott Tubbs; and Granny Gail to Son-in-Love Gregory Woolley, Tracey Woolley, Tatum Woolley, Brianna Curry, Latitia Mortise, Shawn Adams, Jr., and Michael Adams. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and family.
At the age of forty-eight, Gail returned to school to pursue a Registered Nursing Diploma. She achieved her goal in 1993, graduating with an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Cuyahoga Community College and Registered Nursing Diploma from Huron Road Hospital School of Nursing where she made the Dean’s List. Throughout a career spanning over 40 years, Gail earned a Surgical Nursing certification, participated in the Open M Ministry Health Mission Team in Haiti, instructed State Tested Nursing Assistants, and trained Home Care Aides. As her care needs increased over time, dearest family friend Karen Spates provided essential support. Gail is survived by her children, grandchildren, numerous devoted nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and ten siblings.