Sandra Gayle Hout Malloy

Sandra Gayle Hout Malloy (Gayle) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. She had battled dementia for many years. She was born in Paragould to Martha and Wayne Hout. She graduated from Monette High School in Monette and earned a Bachelor of Education from Arkansas State University. Gayle enjoyed a joyful childhood, actively participating in school and fostering a vibrant social life. She loved riding horses and was active in the Craighead County 4H.

In 1965, she married Rodney E. Malloy and they relocated to Clarksdale, Miss., in the early ‘70s. There, she created a warm and welcoming home. As a devoted and hands-on mother, she was always active in her children’s lives and activities. She loved caring for Shawna and Lyle and always welcomed their friends into her home. In 1974, she began a teaching career at Clarksdale Baptist Church School. She went on to teach at Lee Academy and Oakhurst Junior High. From Oakhurst, she and her best friend of many years, Joan Morris, taught at Jonestown Elementary School, retiring in the early 2000s. As a teacher, she touched the lives of many students volunteering to tutor elementary students after retiring. She always viewed teaching as something she was called to do, and she shared her personality and love for life with her students, family and friends.

Gayle was involved in the Clarksdale community. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church volunteering in many capacities. For many years, she contributed to the Clarksdale Care Station, preparing meals for those in need. Her commitment extended to volunteering at the Juke Joint Festival and the American Cancer Society. Gayle was an avid golfer. She enjoyed attending all types of sporting and social events and spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

In 1996, Gayle became a grandmother for the first time, with two more grandchildren to follow. She and Rodney considered being grandparents to Neely, Ben Caleb and Bylar, one of God’s greatest gifts. She took immense pride in her grandchildren and while she was well actively participated in their lives, attending their sporting events, recitals and shows.

Gayle Hout Malloy was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney Malloy, and her parents, Martha Harrell Hout and Wayne Hout, and her brother, Jackie Wayne Hout.

She is survived by her children, Shawna Malloy Young (Stick Young) and Lyle Malloy (Amy Malloy). Her cherished grandchildren are Neely Young Ellis, Ben Caleb Malloy and Bylar Malloy.

A special thank you to the staff at Indywood Glen Assisted Living and Tricia Shankle.

Gayle’s memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her remarkable journey was marked by compassion, dedication, and unwavering love for her family. A celebration of life will take place at First United Methodist Church in Clarksdale on Thursday, Dec. 21, at 1 p.m. Prior to the service visitation will be held at the church from noon-1 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Macey Cemetery in Monette on Friday, Dec. 22, at 11 a.m.

In order to honor Gayle’s memory, donations can be made to First United Methodist Church Clarksdale or the Clarksdale Care Center. Meredith Nowell Funeral Home is handling all arrangements.