Gail Berner Izzo

A Tribute to the Life of Gail Berner Izzo (1940-2025)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gail Berner Izzo, a cherished member of the Thomasville, Georgia community. Gail departed this world in the early morning hours of June 22, 2025, in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, with family by her side. She was 85 years young. Gail leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, friendship and inspiration that will endure for generations.

Helen Gail Berner was born on May 30, 1940, in West Palm Beach, Florida to Hugo and Mildred Berner where her journey began with hopes, dreams and faith leading her to a full and rewarding life. From an early age, Gail exhibited a passion for volunteering at church, helping others, and spending time with family which became one of the defining aspects of her character. Gail was a devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother who cherished the bonds of friendship, love and family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Hugo and Mildred Berner; her loving husband, Richard "Dick" Izzo; and her sister, Carol Berner Gardner. She leaves behind her sister, Beverly Berner Hatcher (Herschel); and her four children, Rich Izzo, Hugo Izzo (Holly), Dean Izzo and Maria Izzo Champion (Steve). She was beloved by her grandchildren, Aubrey Izzo Tinsley (David), Sam Izzo, Jenna Long, Michael Izzo, and Colby Izzo, as well as her great grandchildren, Lainey and Larson Tinsley.

Gail's early years were spent on a farm near Barwick, Georgia and together with her sisters, Carol and Beverly, she learned the value of hard work cropping tobacco, harvesting corn, picking cotton, raising chickens, preparing meals and countless other tasks. Gail loved sports and played high school basketball at Westbrook school in Dixie, Georgia. Her classmates always commented how much they enjoyed Gail attending sporting events because they could always hear her cheering on the team above all others. When not working on the farm or going to school, Gail spent much of her free time with her sisters and many close family members and first cousins throughout the Dixie/Barwick community.

In her adult life, Gail was known for her sweet demeanor, timeless beauty, and southern hospitality. Gail brought joy and warmth to every interaction, leaving behind an endless list of friends and countless cherished memories. Gail was a permanent fixture at Izzo's Pharmacy in downtown Thomasville, where she ran the soda fountain and gift shop alongside her husband, Dick, for nearly forty-seven years. Together, Gail and Dick worked countless hours side-by-side at Izzo's, creating life-long friendships, serving the Thomasville community, raising children and building their life together. She would say how fortunate she was to work at the soda fountain with some of her most cherished friends like Barbara Roland, preparing and serving her signature chicken salad, egg salad and pimento cheese sandwiches to so many Thomasville families and patrons; not to mention, the thousands of malts, milkshakes, burgers, root beer floats and cherry cokes whipped up with her wonderful smile, charm and kindness. Laughter and love were the secret ingredients Gail and Barbara added to each recipe as they whirled around the fountain working hard and having fun.

Gail and Dick also "adopted" many special families they served at Izzo's. One such family is David and Eve Adams and their family. David and Eve would bring their quadruplets up to see Gail and Dick every week when they were little. Gail and Dick would entertain all the babies, allowing David and Eve a well-earned break in the action; plus, as a testament to Gail's character, it takes someone extraordinarily special to work alongside their spouse for all those years and maintain such a loving and respectful relationship. Watching Gail and Dick together was truly something to behold, and we were all so fortunate to witness their beautiful marriage and partnership those many years.

Gail's faith in God was one of the most important aspects of her life. She was an active member of Dawson Street United Methodist Church, where she participated in Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, fundraisers and many other church activities. God also called Gail to work with shut-ins and seniors in the community. She would prepare meals and deliver them to members of the community in need. Many times, she would employ her children to assist delivering these meals, sometimes providing "on-demand" sing-alongs or just visiting. She was truly a vessel of kindness and compassion God used to brighten the lives of so many.

Gail will be remembered not only for what she achieved but for the extraordinary person she was. Her life serves as a testament to the resilience and beauty of the human spirit, and she will be missed by all. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her life, a life lived with purpose, grace, and a profound love for her family, her wonderful friends, and those around her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Gentiva Foundation, reflecting Gail's lifelong dedication to palliative care. Her spirit will live on through the contributions made in her name. Donations can be made online at https://www.gentivahs.com/patient-and-family-resources/donate/ or via telephone at 1-888-436-8482. In addition to the outstanding hospice care provided by Gentiva, the family would also like to thank the wonderful staff, nurses and management team at Watercrest Senior Living for their exceptional care of our mother these last months.

Gail's departure reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment with those we hold dear. May she rest in peace, knowing her life was one of profound meaning, amazing friendships and boundless love.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held in the chapel at Allen and Allen Funeral Home Saturday August 2 at 2PM in Thomasville, GA where family, friends, and all whom were touched by Gail's life are welcome to gather in remembrance. We will come together to honor her memory, share stories, and celebrate her life and the legacy she leaves behind.