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.
17 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.
#7 Comment By Bill Sears On April 2, 2026 @ 6:59 pm
I will miss my Aunt Gayle greatly.
#8 Comment By Mike & Jeanie Hyde On April 2, 2026 @ 9:09 pm
Belinda and grandchildren we are sorry to hear of the passing of Gayle. She was a lovely lady and will be missed. You all will be in our prayers.
#9 Comment By Alvin Palmer On April 3, 2026 @ 2:38 am
A wonderful woman she was! Mrs. Sandlin and I were neighbors and when I attended Eighth District School she made sure I was taken care of and supported me when I played sports there.
She will be truly missed.
God Bless her family and friends.
#10 Comment By Katie Womack On April 3, 2026 @ 8:28 am
To the family: Belinda, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your precious mother. 🙏❤️. I know this is a very difficult time for you & the rest of the family. May God put His loving arms around you all during this very difficult time . Hugs & prayers to all 🥰🙏
#11 Comment By Kim Halcomb Cowart On April 3, 2026 @ 8:34 am
Ms Gayle was such a sweet and beautiful lady. Praying for peace and comfort for her family.
#12 Comment By Jimmy and Diane Buchanan On April 3, 2026 @ 4:11 pm
So sorry for your loss. Gayle was such a sweet, giving lady – a beautiful soul! May your wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort.
#13 Comment By Brenda Coble On April 3, 2026 @ 4:45 pm
Belinda, I’m so sorry to hear about you losing your mom. I totally understand that your heart is broken. May God continue to bless and keep you! You have been a jewel!
Lots of love,
Doug and Brenda
#14 Comment By Janice King On April 3, 2026 @ 8:27 pm
Belinda
Very sorry to learn of the passing of your
Sweet mother.
Always so friendly and a hard worker.
A very gracious lady.
You in my prayers .
#15 Comment By sandra Lancaster On April 4, 2026 @ 3:17 pm
I remember Mrs. Sandlin from Eighth District School. I worked in the cafeteria to pay for my school lunch. She was a wonderful cook back then. And she was really nice to me and all of you kids that worked for her in the kitchen. One really nice lady. Praying for all of her family.
#16 Comment By Tracy Endsley On April 7, 2026 @ 8:15 am
Belinda and family.
So sorry for your loss of Ms. Gayle. She was such a sweet lady, and one of our favorite customers at Red Food.
#17 Comment By Betty W. Taylor On April 7, 2026 @ 8:38 pm
Gayle was a delightful lady who will be missed. She was so creative which was witnessed through her preparation of food for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and many special events. When she was director of LCHS lunch program, we had wonderful good lunches. Everything she prepared for my family was awesome. I have known her for many years and you could not help but love her and her beautiful smile. She was a lady of service to Lincoln County.