Gaylene Millie Knight Wilcox

January 9, 1939  ~  August 9, 2012

SYRACUSE -- Gaylene Millie Knight Wilcox, our beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on August 9, 2012, after a valiant fight against cancer. She was a woman of great faith, compassion, and humor. She loved her family and friends dearly, and was truly an inspiration to those around her. She influenced our lives in so many ways, and will be greatly missed.
Her parents, Osmer and Verda Mumford Knight welcomed Gaylene to their family on January 9, 1939, in Sunset, Utah. She was born at her grandmother's house and given her name, Millie. She spent her early years in Pinedale, Wyoming, with her fishing-loving dad, mother, and older sister, Shirley. Later the family returned to Utah, making their home in Sunset City. She is a proud graduate of Davis High, Weber College, and Utah State University. Go Aggies!
In the summer of 1961, she agreed to go on a blind date with Floyd Wilcox—which her children are forever grateful—and discovered him to be the "best man in the world." Floyd and Gaylene were sealed as eternal companions on November 21, 1962, in the Logan, LDS temple. Together they settled in Syracuse, Utah, and raised five children, who in turn, blessed their lives with 12 grandchildren.
Gaylene valued and believed in education. She enjoyed teaching at Kaysville Junior High, Syracuse Elementary, and Syracuse Junior High. After earning her Masters degree from the University of Phoenix, she worked as a counselor at North Davis Junior High. She loved working with the youth. Her talents as a teacher were also sought by her church. As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she enjoyed the many callings she received and cherished the friendships established along the way. Floyd and Gaylene served in the Prague, Czech mission. She had an unwavering testimony of the Savior, the Plan of Salvation, and the peace the gospel provides.
Gaylene believed that families were the most important part of life. Her favorite time was spent with her husband, children, and grandchildren traveling and experiencing all the good things life had to offer. She loved playing games and visiting with her grandchildren. Her home was the gathering place for the family and often filled with laughter. She took her family on excursions to Disneyland, Alaska, Yellowstone, and most recently, Hawaii. The memories of these trips and time spent together will forever be cherished by her family.
She is survived by her loving husband, Floyd Wilcox; her five children: Bill (Julie) Wilcox, Leon (Mary) Wilcox, Karen (Lloyd) Cheney, Bryce (Kathleen) Wilcox, and Jill (Adam) Hess; 12 adorable grandchildren; and sister Shirley (DeeJay) Hammon. She was preceded in death by her parents, Osmer and Verda Mumford Knight.
The family expresses their sincere gratitude to Dr. Gray and his kind staff for the tender, loving care given to Gaylene during her illness. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Huntsman Cancer Institute or to Primary Children's hospital.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2012, at the Huckleberry Ward building located on 1313 South 2500 West in Syracuse. A visitation will be held Monday evening from 6:00—8:00 p.m. at the Myers Mortuary in Roy and Tuesday morning 9:30—10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the services. Interment at Syracuse Cemetery.