Paula Gail Bruce Martin Baxley, 80, of Lumberton, NC passed away January 28, 2026 at home, surrounded by family who loved and cared for her deeply.

Gail was born in Robeson County, North Carolina, on June 9th, 1945, to the late Paul Bruce and Margaret Tyner Bruce. She was also preceded in death by her brother Lacey Bruce, husband of  37 years, Gerald B. Martin, Sr. And Vernon Gordon Baxley.

Gail spent her professional career working at Lumbee River EMC in Red Springs, NC, holding several roles over her 30 year career. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved to garden, caring for flowers and plants, as well as being in the family garden. Gail was also an accomplished seamstress, and enjoyed sharing her abilities with the community and family.

Gail was a faithful member of Oak Grove Baptist Church for 70 years, as well as being a member of Zion's Tabernacle Baptist Church for the last 10 years. She shared her talents and beautiful voice from the choir loft, the congregation and as part of a quartet (Blood Kin) with brothers, Charlie and David, and cousin, Ricky Tyner for many years. She loved her faith, the Lord Jesus Christ, and wanted everyone to hear it through song.

Gail is survived by her son, Gerald B. Martin, Jr of Arlington, TX and significant other, Chrissy Evans, grandson Landon Martin of Arlington, TX, grandson Skylar Martin of Conway, SC. She is also survived by sisters Sharon Soderena (John) Marla Bullock (Danny), brothers Danny (Shirley), David (JoAnn), Michael (Libby), and Charlie (Mary Jo) Bruce, as well as a host of nephews, nieces, friends and neighbors.

Gail was a friend to all, easy to get attached to as a friend, immensely loved by her family and will leave a hole in the hearts of all that knew her. She will however, leave a legacy of love, friendship, devotion, and laughter. She will be greatly missed, but is rejoicing in heaven with all of those that have gone before her.

The visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday February 3, 2026 at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc. in Lumberton. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Oakgrove Baptist Church in Lumberton, with the Revs. Johnny Bruce and Tim Tyner officiating. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Cemetery in Lumberton.