Gayle Solomon Sandlin, age 91, of Fayetteville, TN, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, at Donalson Care Center. A lifelong resident of Lincoln County, she was born on December 27, 1934, to the late Robert Hoyal Solomon, Sr. and Martha Anderson Solomon.
A proud 1952 graduate of Central High School, Gayle dedicated her career to the service of others through her gift for cooking. She began as a cook at Eighth District School before serving as the dietary manager for Central High School, Lincoln County High School, and eventually Donalson Care Center. Even in retirement, her passion for her work led her back to the Fayetteville City School System to assist in their dietary department. To say she loved to cook would be an understatement; between her career and her catering of countless weddings and events, it was often said that Gayle had fed half the county.
Gayle was a faithful member of the Harms Methodist Church, the Senior Round Dozen Club, and the Molino FCE Club. While she stayed active in her community, her family meant the world to her. She found her greatest joy in watching her grandsons and great-grandchildren grow, never missing an opportunity to cheer them on at their sporting events.
Survivors include her daughter, Belinda Sandlin Davis; grandsons, Jim Bob (Jamie) Sandlin, Tim (Zsanee) Davis, and Shane (Carmen) Davis; great-grandchildren, Ali (Dylan) McCool, Ella Sandlin, Owen (Brynna) Sandlin, Kyle (Karen) Davis, Abby Davis, Zach (Breanna) Davis, Erin (Jace) Hunter, and Tristan Davis; and great-great-grandchildren, Vallie McCool, Raiford McCool, Gianna Davis, and Colsen Davis.
In addition to her parents, Gayle was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Sandlin; her son, Larry Sandlin; son-in-law, William Homer Davis; brother, Robert H. Solomon, Jr.; and sister-in-law, Doris Lewter Solomon.
A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Alan Shedd and Bro. Jeremy Ogle officiating. Burial will follow in Lebanon Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 5 PM to 8 PM on Monday at Higgins.
Memorial donations may be made to Harms Methodist Church, c/o Chris King, 63 Gunter Hollow Road, Fayetteville, TN 37334 or Lebanon Cemetery, c/o Debbie Motlow, 27 Good Lane, Taft, TN 38488.
At Higgins Funeral Home, it is our privilege to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of Gayle Solomon Sandlin.
6 Comments To "Gayle Solomon Sandlin"
#1 Comment By Randy&Dorothy Taylor On April 2, 2026 @ 11:38 am
We are so sorry she was a good friend of my mother in law prayers for her family
#2 Comment By Wanda Shelton On April 2, 2026 @ 11:48 am
I’m so sorry!. Loved working with her.
#3 Comment By Linda F. Williams On April 2, 2026 @ 1:39 pm
Gayle was an awesome lady! I loved her dearly. She was always ready to offer a hand to anyone in need. I know you will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this period of your lives. It is hard. She will be missed by all who knew her.
#4 Comment By Johnny Edwards On April 2, 2026 @ 1:55 pm
I am so sorry Belinda.I didn’t know her but I’m sure she was a fantastic lady and knowing you assured me of that.Prayers and well wishes to you and the family.
#5 Comment By Leslie Frame On April 2, 2026 @ 2:19 pm
So sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a sweet woman. You will be in my prayers, Belinda and family.
#6 Comment By Janice Carr On April 2, 2026 @ 2:36 pm
Gayle and I graduated from Central High in 1952 and were friends since school days. Both members of the Sr. Round Dozen AND Methodist church. She will be missed by many. Belinda and the rest of the family have my thoughts and prayers. Just remember, she is in a much better place.