Gail Ann Stemley

Gail Ann Stemley, affectionately known as “GG”, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, February 7, 2020 after suffering a sudden and devastating stroke at the age of 67. GG was born in New Orleans, LA to Corry and Cora Stemley. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Corry Jr., Raymond, Edward and Brandon Stemley, and Albert Lindolph, and sister, Shirley Stemley Picou. She leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved children, Chanda Nunez, Brandi Nunez Washington, Vicente “Pancho” Nunez II, and son-in-law Everett Washington, whom she adored; darling grandchildren, Jacobi Hobson II, Jaye and Kacidy Washington, and Summer, Carson, and Leah Nunez; loving sister Cora Wharton (Wayne); devoted sisters-in-law Nancy Smith (Hollis), Elizabeth Kareem (Abdul), Margarita Bell, Maria Nunez, and Dolores Lindolph; mother-in-law Luisa Veal; aunts Marta Serrano and Margarita Rounds; ex-husband with whom she remained friends, Vicente Nunez (Diane); and life-long friends Hazel Lewis and Patricia Robertson. GG also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom were her favorite; the extended network of Stemley cousins whom she loved tremendously; and a multitude of friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Gail Ann Stemley was baptized at an early age at Asia Baptist church. As a child, she learned the importance of family, which would guide her throughout the remainder of her life. GG was a graduate of John McDonogh High School, class of 1970. She was proud, stubborn, opinionated, fashionable, loving, and fiercely independent. She loved to cook for her family and friends, and was known especially for her gumbo and red beans and rice. She opened her home to everyone, and it was a second home for many of her children’s friends growing up. She loved to dance and her best moves were to the sounds of Frankie Beverly and Maze, Luther Vandross, and Stevie Wonder. GG loved all things New Orleans, especially Mardi Gras, Little People’s Place, and Kermit Ruffins, and she was a die-hard Saints fan. GG didn’t hold her tongue for anyone and was a self-proclaimed “St. Bernard Hard Head”! But GG also loved hard and was a true giver. She enjoyed nothing more than doing for others. Above all else, GG loved her grandchildren and remained adamant and steadfast that each of them “looks just like me”, as she often proclaimed. GG cherished all of her grandchildren and sealed each of their birthday cards with a red lipstick kiss. After 30 years of dedicated service, GG retired from the US Postal Service. In the months following, she talked about having a big retirement party. Although that party never did happen, we are comforted and thankful that a few days prior to her passing, GG enjoyed her time at a Mardi Gras party, dancing, drinking Coors Lite, and second-lining with her best friend and sister-in-law, Nancy Smith. GG loved life and lived it to the fullest. Her favorite expression was “Do what you wanna”, and that is truly how she lived. Gail Ann Stemley will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Rest in peace GG. Do what you wanna! Family, friends, parishioners of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, employees of the United States Postal Service, members of the local APWU, and employees of UPS are invited to attend funeral services on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125. Visitation starts at 8am until the hour of service at 9am. Jazz procession immediately following. Interment: Rest haven Memorial Park. Services entrusted to the care of Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook. All l are invited to represent GGs love for her city by wearing Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, & gold), or Saints colors (black & gold).