Jeanette Gayle (Reece) Love

Gayle Reece Love, 86, of Boone, passed away peacefully at home on February 16, 2026.

Born May 17, 1939 in the Beech Creek community of Avery County, she was the daughter of Herman and Myrtle Guy Reece.  Gayle graduated from Cove Creek High School and went on to build a long career at WJ Office City, where she worked from more than 30 years as a bookkeeper and sales representative.  After retirement, Gayle volunteered at Watauga Medical Center and assisted in the Hardin Park Elementary School Reading Program She was a faithful member of Boone United Merthodist Church.

Gayle was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Love; her parents; her sister, Rena Waddell; and her brother, Doug Reece.

She is survived by her daughters, Sandy Love and Pam Rush and her husband, Eddie; her granddaughter, Megan Szep and husband, Huni; great-grandson, Finnegan; her sister, Peggy Hagaman; her sister-in-law, Ruth Henson, her brother-in-law, Jim Love and wife, Kathryn; and several nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life services for Gayle Love will be conducted Saturday afternoon, February 28, 2026 at 2 o’clock at Boone United Methodist Church.  Officiating will be Pastor Ed Glaize, Rev. Patti Connelly, and Jim Love.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, SW, Lenoir, NC 28645, to Boone United Methodist Church, 471 New Mark Blvd, Boone, NC 28607, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Love family.

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