Diana "Gayle" Meadows

Diana Gayle Meadows, a lifelong resident of Ashland City, passed away surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and boundless generosity. She was the devoted wife of nearly 60 years to Melvin Meadows, and together they built a life rich with love, laughter, and family.

Gayle was the beloved mother of three children: Michael Meadows (Mary), Shane Meadows (Robin), and Melissa Jolley. Also survived by sister Sherrye Cagle (Mike) and brother Eddie Wilson (Debbie). Her greatest joy was her family, and she beamed with pride over her 9 grandchildren Heather Whited (Bradley), Dalton Meadows, Beth Meadows (Zach Guerin), Nicole Meadows (Tyler Sneed), Kolby Meadows, Reagan Meadows, Zachary Gurley, John Jolley (Abbie), Noah Jolley (Treva Pinson) and 4 great grandchildren Saylor Whited, Decker Whited, Trinity Gurley and Baby Jolley. She was the rock of the family—steadfast, loving, and the heart of every gathering.

For 25 years, Gayle poured her heart into the Happy Meadows Daycare Center, where she touched countless lives with her nurturing spirit and unwavering dedication to children. Her love for children extended beyond her daycare she was deeply involved with The Al Menah Shriners, raising money for children’s hospitals and burn victims, always putting others before herself.

She was a woman that cherished her Catholic faith. She was an alumni of St. Ann and graduate from St. Bernards High School. All three of her children were alumni of St Ann and graduated from Father Ryan High School. Gayle found joy in sharing her faith with others and was a dedicated servant of God. Gayle touched the lives of many with her kindness and generosity.

Known for her vibrant spirit, Gayle loved to sing and dance, often filling her beautifully decorated home with music, joy, and laughter. She had a deep love for travel, always eager to explore the world with a curious heart and an open mind.

Gayle was preceded by her loving parents, Edgar J Wilson, Sr. (Father), Gertrude Wilson (Mother), Tony Wilson (Brother) Jacob and Joseph Jolley (Grandchildren) but her radiant beauty—inside and out—lives on in the memories of those she touched. She was the most beautiful person to those who knew her: compassionate, generous, joyful, and full of life. She leaves behind a family that will miss her dearly, a community that was better because of her, and a lifetime of memories that will forever be cherished.

A celebration of life will be held to honor a woman who gave so much to the world and asked for so little in return. In her spirit, may we continue to sing, dance, and love without limits. She was, and always will be, our guiding light.

A Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be held 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 5101 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209 on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, with Fr. Michael Fye, Celebrant.  Burial to follow at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.

Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday prior to the Mass from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.  with a Rosary Service to follow from 10:30 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104, Nashville, TN 37209. (615) 857- 9955.  We are proud to be locally owned and operated.