Sherry Gail Burns Gaddis, 84, of Jackson, passed away peacefully at her home on June 25, 2026, surrounded by the people she loved. She was born on June 13, 1942, and lived a life defined by kindness, hard work, and a genuine love for caring for others.

Raised as a farm girl, Gail learned the values of dedication and perseverance at an early age. She grew up helping on her family's farm, where her father raised cattle and chickens. Those early years fostered a lifelong love of the outdoors. As a young woman, she enjoyed hunting, and throughout her life she found great joy in fishing. One of her favorite adventures was traveling to Louisiana to hunt alligators, an experience that reflected her adventurous spirit.

Education was important to Gail. She attended Jones Community College before earning her degree in education from the University of Southern Mississippi. She devoted the first part of her career to teaching, serving as both a second grade teacher and a physical education teacher for seven years. Afterward, she chose to step away from the classroom to focus on raising her children, a role she treasured above all else.

Later in life, Gail pursued another calling by earning her EMT license. Whether as a teacher, emergency medical technician, mother, or friend, helping others came naturally to her. She possessed a servant's heart and was, above all else, a caregiver. She was always willing to lend a hand, offer comfort, or provide support to those in need.

Gail was known for her beauty, her warm smile, and her signature lipstick, which she rarely went without. She enjoyed life's simple pleasures; a good cup of coffee, evenings spent square dancing, and time outdoors surrounded by nature. Her adventurous nature, generous spirit, and unwavering compassion touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

More than any accomplishment, Gail will be remembered for the love she gave so freely. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and selfless service that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Burns; her sisters Louise Brown and Marie Brown; brother in law, Earl "Honey" Brown.

Gail is survived by her husband, John Gaddis; daughters, Connie (Scott) Williamson, Debbie (Jim) Dunagan, and Leslie (Josh) Pryor; grandchildren, Kay (Rayce) Tarleton, Grady (Hanna) Dunagan, Baylee Anderson, and William Anderson; great-granddaughter, Ellie J. Tarleton; and special nieces, Becky Hopkins and Beth Carter.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Lathan Funeral Home, Jackson. A visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour. Bro. James Harris will be officiating.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Southern Care Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Gail during her final days.