Gayla Ann McCoy

Gayla Ann Leach McCoy, 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, March 22, 2015. Growing up in Faulkner County, Gayla was known as a basketball star. She was a fun-loving, mischievous tomboy who loved her horses. She received her Bachelor of Education degree at Arkansas Teachers College (UCA). She taught in the Pulaski County and Benton Public Schools. She was the owner of The Sewing Zone in Benton, which later became Gayla's Costume Shoppe. She was a founder of the Royal Players Community Theater in Benton. Gayla was committed to her Christian faith and used her creative talents for the glory of the Lord. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Farrell Dean McCoy; her children David (Ashley) McCoy of Little Rock, Dena (Chip) Drennan of Rehoboth Beach, Del., Kellee (Merideth) McCoy of Benton; her mother Dora Leach of Enola; her brother Kim Allen (Annette) Leach of Enola; 11 grandchildren; two great-granddaughters and a host of friends and extended relatives. She was preceded in death by her father, Horace Leach, and her grandparents, Johnny and Beulah Jobe. Her memorial service will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 26. Charitable donations may be made in her name to the Royal Players via Dial and Dudley Funeral Home. In lieu of a visitation, a fellowship of family and friends will be held following the service.