“

She was remembered as the best Momma, a woman who gave those she loved room to explore and room to grow.

Gail Thaggard, 77, of White Oak, passed away on November 4, 2026, at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, North Carolina.

Born on December 12, 1948, in Bladen County, Gail was the daughter of the late Bennie Wilson Suggs and Norma Gray Johnson Suggs. She lived with a strong and generous spirit that left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Gail was an adventurer at heart, someone who loved the outdoors, nature, and even the thrill of mountain coasters. She shared a special connection with animals and especially loved horses and fishing.

To her family, Gail was a one-of-a-kind presence: selfless, loving, and truly an angel on earth. She was remembered as the best Momma, a woman who gave those she loved room to explore and room to grow, while always remaining close with constant compassion and without judgment. She understood how to work toward a goal and saw tasks through with determination. She was strong, giving, and carried a no-excuses attitude that was balanced by deep empathy and a remarkable ability to meet people where they were. Her laughter will be dearly missed, as will the familiar way she rubbed her hands together when she was excited to hear some bit of news or a story. “No crying” was her motto, and she faced life with resilience, heart, and honesty.

Some of the family’s fondest memories reach back to Gail’s childhood, especially memories of her pony and the story of her being a cowboy. Those cherished recollections remain a lasting part of the love she leaves behind. She had a pure heart and an unassuming way about her, and those who knew her understood what an amazing woman she was. She was an encourager, and the world is better—and all who loved her are better—for her having been in it.

“

She had a pure heart and an unassuming way about her, and those who knew her understood what an amazing woman she was.

For many years, Gail and her husband, Michael Sr., owned and operated Thaggard Insurance Agency in Elizabethtown from 1989 until 2019. After his passing, she continued to run the business herself until her retirement, a reflection of her determination, dedication, and enduring commitment to the work they had built together.

Gail is survived by her daughter, Jill Best, and Jill’s husband, Kevin; her son, John Edgar Thaggard; her daughter-in-law, Tammy Thaggard, whom she loved as a daughter; her grandsons, Johnathan Edgar Thaggard, Jr., Dustin James Thaggard, Michael Trent Thaggard III, and Cameron Talmage Thaggard; her sisters, Donna Watson and Donna’s husband, Gene, and Patricia Suggs; her special friend, Stephanie Kelly; and last but not least her dog Annie. She leaves behind a family who will continue to carry her love, her strength, and her example with them.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of fifty-five years, Michael Thaggard; her son, Michael Thaggard, Jr.; her sister, Shirley Newton; and her brother, Bennie Wilson Suggs, Jr.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3131 M.L.K. Dr, Elizabethtown, NC 28337. A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Suggs Family Cemetery, 3806 NC-53, White Oak, NC 28399 with the Rev. Tim Reaves, officiating.

Gail will be remembered with deep love for her adventurous spirit, her steady encouragement, her compassion, and the strength she gave so freely to others. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.