Gail Anita (Marshall) Fennell

“…You’re on My Mind/And I Wish You a Peaceful Journey…”

(Lyrics from Peaceful Journey by Heavy D. & The Boyz)

A very proud native of Albany, GA, Gail Anita Marshall Fennell, became a beloved resident of Washington, D.C. and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Gail was known for her brilliant mind, chic style, boundless love, radiant beauty, delightful humor, exceptional creativity, and idiosyncrasies, along with her undying support and loyalty. As a doting mother and grandmother, she filled the lives of Daria, Joy, Jimmie (Jim-Jim), and Tre’ J. with immense love and care.

Born in Albany, GA, on October 10, 1949, Gail is thecherished daughter of the late John Allen Marshall, Sr. ("Daddy") and Mrs. Louie Arthur Moore Marshall ("Mama"). She grew up alongside her older brother, John Allen Marshall, Jr., sharing a deep sibling bond.

Gail’s life was a symphony of diverse music, from Teddy Pendergrass to The Weeknd, 2Pac, Marvin Gaye, The S.O.S. Band, Angela Winbush, and countless other music artists. A self-proclaimed foodie, she savored everything from crabs to potstickers, BBQ ribs, and shrimp.

She attended Madison Elementary School and Southside Middle School in Dougherty County Public School System, before graduating from Monroe High School in 1967. Sundays found her playing the piano with passion at her home church, C.K. Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Post high school, Gail attended Albany State College (now Albany State University), a Historically Black College & University (HBCU), earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English in 1971. During her time there, she became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., following a family tradition that included her mother, late aunt Eloise Phillips, late cousin Pearle Booker, cousin Ginger Wood-Oguno, and others.

Upon graduation, Gail married her college sweetheart, the late Jimmie Fennell, Sr. Soon after, she accepted a job offer from the Pentagon, leading the couple to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area. Their union was blessed with three beautiful children: Daria, Joy, and Jimmie Jr.

The family cherished their life in the D.C. area, from enjoying crabs and cold Pepsi at the D.C. Wharf to frequenting Smithsonian Museums and admiring the city's beauty, as well as, its landmarks. In 1981, Gail made history as the highest-ranking Black female working for the National Guard Bureau, even featured in "Guard" Magazine.

Following her time at the Pentagon, Gail joined the Small Business Administration, where she eventually retired. In 2015, she returned to Albany, GA, to care for her mother, embodying the unconditional love and loyalty she always has for her family.

Gail was called to her heavenly rest on July 17, 2023, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, GA. She is survived by her daughters Joy and Daria, mother Mrs. Louie Arthur Moore Marshall, brother John A. Marshall, Sr., grandson Tre’ J., sister-in-law Roxie Marshall, nephew Tomi Marshall, and many more loved ones. Gail's loving spirit was preceded in rest by her son Jimmie Jr., her father, and several other family members and friends.

Remembering Gail Anita Marshall Fennell with love and gratitude: she will continue to be dearly loved and missed. Our hearts are filled with thanks for the precious blessing that she was and will forever be. She will never be forgotten.

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