Gayla Cooper Hope, 55, born July 3, 1968, received total healing and gained her angel wings on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Her "dash" (1968-2024) was filled with love, ministry, and joy. She never failed to give God all the glory throughout her battles with pancreatic cancer, expressing her love for Jesus and telling others about His Wonder at every opportunity. Her "The Faith Spa" Facebook page spanned geographical boundaries and will be continued by family and friends in her memory. Gayla was happiest enjoying and celebrating all of God's creation, whether at her pavilion watching birds or on the creek with her daddy. Her passion for God, family, nature, science, and teaching led to artistic pursuits at which she excelled: photography, singing, drawing, and painting in multiple mediums, often employing unusual "canvases" and techniques.

The native and lifelong resident of Wayne County was a 1986 graduate of Wayne County High School. She received the Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education from Georgia Southern University, followed later by the Master of Education. She retired in 2022 from the Wayne County School System after 33 years of service as a teacher and instructional coach.

As a devout Christian and member of Jesup Church of God, Gayla gave God her highest honor, but her husband of almost 35 years, Michael, was her greatest earthly joy. From the moment their eyes first met, eternity began. There was no greater love than the love between Michael and Gayla. She loved her children and grandchildren wholeheartedly and blessed them with memories they will cherish. Her mother and father "hung the moon" for her, and she delighted in visits to birdwatch from their sunroom as well as her "Good morning, Sunshine!" daily phone call. She was an amazing and beloved mother, "Lolly," daughter, sister, teacher, and friend - an inspiration to all.

Despite her health battles, she continued to praise and trust Jesus, saying even in her last days, "He's not done with me yet." While her fight is over, her ministry and testimony continue. All who knew and loved her will forever…BELIEVE FOR IT!

She was predeceased by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry T. Westberry, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Cooper, Jr., and her father-in-law, Mr. Preston Hope.

Survivors are her husband, Michael Hope of Jesup; daughter, Mariah (Beau) McCann of Odum; 3 sons, Cooper (Ashley) Hope, Reese Hope, and West Hope of Jesup; parents, Harriet and Larry Cooper of Jesup; 3 grandchildren, Bransen, Pax and Wade of Odum; brother, Jason (Lana) Cooper of Odum; mother-in-law, Frankie Hope of Jesup; special aunt, Jan Cooper of Jesup; several nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Jesup Church of God with Pastors David Price, Calvin Anderson, and Scott Hatten officiating. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Mack Cooper, Hagan Anderson, Ryan Madray, Tony Griffis, Greg Sparks, and Ricky Blanton. Honorary pallbearers will be the ABC Camping Group.

Visitation will be 1:30-3:00 p.m. prior to services at the church.

In lieu of traditional flowers, please cherish her memory with nursery type plants and foliage that may be planted in the yards of her family.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.