Miley Geelene Wallace Vail transitioned into heaven on April 23, 2016, in Birmingham, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Geelene was a former resident of the Webster's Chapel community and a member of First Baptist Church of Glencoe. She was born January 18, 1928 in Verbena, Alabama. She was the daughter of Robert and Claudie Wallace, the middle of nine children.
Geelene worked in the retail industry before she married Lewis Vail in 1951. Together, they served as an Air Force couple, traveling wherever Uncle Sam sent them. Geelene maintained the home and raised three children. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Geelene's life centered around her family and the church, where she taught Sunday School, participated fully and served wherever she was needed. Geelene was a beautiful, clever, industrious and motivated woman. Her family will continue to miss her terribly.
Geelene's survivors are daughters, Greta Trimm, Marilyn (Jerre) Johnson; grandchildren, Janet (Chris) Dalzell, Leah (J.P.) Patterson, Justin Trimm, Stephen (Kassi) Johnson, Lewis (Lora) Vail III, Bryant Vail, John Vail; daughter-in-law, Shirley Brinson; great-grandchildren, Jonathan Patterson Jr., James Johnson, Samuel Patterson, Reagan Patterson, Jude Johnson, Cooper Vail, Joah Johnson and Gideon Patterson. Geelene is also survived by her brother, Roland (Carolyn) Wallace; sister-in-law, Donna Cox; and many nieces and nephews. Geelene was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Lewis Nathan Vail Sr.; and her son, Lewis Nathan Vail Jr.
Visitation will begin at noon, April 29, 2016, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. at Crestwood Funeral Home, Gadsden, burial at Crestwood Cemetery. The Reverend Stephen Johnson and Reverend Jonathan Patterson will officiate. Crestwood Funeral Home is directing.
Pallbearers will be Justin Trimm, Stephen Johnson, Lewis Vail, Bryant Vail, John Vail, Chris Dalzell and Jonathan Patterson.
The family wishes to express special thanks to the compassionate caregivers at Lake View Estates and Hope Hospice.
Memorials may be made to Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon), Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or another charity.