Gail Sullivan Meyer, 1941-2024

Gail Sullivan Meyer passed away on August 9, 2024, in Hondo, Texas, at the age of 82.

Gail was born on December 17, 1941, in San Antonio, Texas. Growing up in Harlingen, Texas, she played the piano and French horn and enjoyed being a majorette in the Harlingen High School marching band. In 1960, she went to Trinity University, where she was elected cheerleader, ROTC Sweetheart and Miss Mirage of 1963. Trinity is also where she caught the eye of fellow student John Meyer from Hondo. After five years of dating, Gail and John married on December 27, 1965, in Hondo while John, a PFC in the U.S. Army, was home for Christmas break during the Vietnam War. Gail always said that she coerced John into marriage, which may or may not be true because Gail was a self-proclaimed embellisher of stories. However, Gail made smart, thoughtful choices her entire life and that one created a wonderful marriage of nearly 60 years.

In 1967, Gail welcomed her first daughter, Terese. She taught grade school in Houston, New Orleans and El Paso until John finished his medical residency. The family moved to Hondo in 1975 and welcomed their second daughter, Emily, in 1977.

Gail taught English at McDowell Middle School, then Hondo High School. In 1987, she was surprised by the news that she would be the new drama teacher and director of the UIL One-Act Play. Like any challenge she encountered, Gail gave it her all, and in 1994, along with her co-director and best friend Laura Davison, took the cast and crew of the female version of "The Odd Couple" to the state finals for the first time in Hondo High School's history. She considered this her greatest professional accomplishment, then retired after 35 years of teaching.

Gail was happiest in the classroom because she loved and respected her students, and they reciprocated. Long after retirement, she couldn't visit the local Walmart without meeting a former student who would exclaim "Mrs. Meyer!" and greet her with hugs and gratitude, which always warmed her heart.

The highlight of her life was the birth of twin grandsons Walter and John in 2011. As their "GG," Gail flourished and, living right next door, she became the best grandmother anyone could ask for. From 2020 to 2022, she home-schooled the boys during the pandemic, imparting the gift of learning she had given thousands of students over her lifetime. She found great joy and wonderful quality of life teaching her grandsons.

Gail enjoyed her last few years working at the Hondo Garden Club Thrift Shop and spending time with friends over lunch and trips to TJ Maxx. Her favorite vacation spot was Port Aransas, where she watched the family play on the beach from the balcony of her air-conditioned hotel room. If asked, Gail would say with a smirk that she was invited to the beach trips so she could do the cooking and cleaning. Her family would say it was because she was the life of the party and lit up every room she entered.

In her daughters, Gail inspired a strong work ethic, generosity toward others, and gratitude. In her grandsons, she inspired creativity, kindness and a love of learning. Her friends will remember her as generous and fun-loving, and always perfectly coiffed, dressed and accessorized. More importantly, she had the unique ability to lift even the lowest of spirits and make everyone – even perfect strangers – feel seen and heard.  Heartfelt thanks to Gail for enriching the lives of family members, friends, students and the Hondo community.

Gail is survived by her husband, John Walter Meyer, MD; daughter, Terese Meyer Foran; daughter and son-in-law, Emily Sullivan Meyer, MD and Todd Wascher; grandsons, Walter DuBose Meyer, John Sullivan Meyer and Pax Wascher; sister, Terese "T.C." Shafer; and many nieces and nephews she treasured. She was predeceased by her sister, Helen Jackson, and her parents, Ima and Orville Sullivan.

The family will conduct a private graveside service for Gail.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to her memory can be made to the Hondo Public Library (2003 Ave. K, Hondo TX 78861), where she spent many happy hours with her grandsons searching for treasures in the stacks, or a charity of your choice.

GUINN-HORGER