Gail (Arnette) McCann

November 29, 1949 ~ July 7, 2025 (age 75)

Gail Arnette McCann went on to be with her loving savior, at the age of 75, on Monday, July 7th, 2025. Keeping her eyes fixed on Jesus, she faithfully trusted the Lord through her battle with lung cancer.

Gail was born in Chadbourn, NC on November 29th, 1949 along with her twin brother Charles to the pleasantly surprised couple Evander and Rachel Arnette. She grew up next to Piney Forest Baptist Church, where she and her family were faithful members. As a child, she loved riding horses and learning art from her grandmother Inez Strole. She attended high school at West Columbus where she was a cheerleader and is fondly remembered for her artistic contribution of the posters that the football team would run through during the pre game celebration. At 17, Gail was happy to represent her hometown as Miss Chadbourn.

After high school, Gail followed in her mother’s footsteps and attended Meredith College in Raleigh, NC, where she received a BA in Education. While waiting to marry her college sweetheart, Mark McCann, who was finishing his BSME at NCSU, she volunteered to care for the deaf children at the Raleigh School for the Deaf.

Mark and Gail married on December 22, 1973, and started their family in Atlanta, Georgia, where they had their daughter Michele and son Christopher. While in Georgia, Gail completed her Masters in Art from West Georgia University.  In 1981, they moved to Fayetteville, NC where they raised their family as Gail taught at various elementary schools. They attended services at North Wood Temple where Gail was an active member, Sunday school teacher, and leader of the Girls Auxiliary program.

In 1993, Gail’s family moved to the Charlotte area, where they lived for nearly 30 years. Teaching Art at Olde Providence Elementary, Gail inspired many children, who would write loving letters to thank her and would visit her throughout her career. After retiring, Gail became more involved in the ministries of Weddington United Methodist Church. Travelling to various schools, churches and nursing homes, she used her talents to share the gospel through puppet ministry.

Four years ago, Mark and Gail moved to Orlando, FL to be closer to their son Christopher and his young family.

To cherish her memory:

Gail leaves behind her husband of 51 years Mark McCann of Orlando, FL:

Daughter Michele Stadler and husband William with their children Makayla, Sarai, Dominic, and Avalyn of Garner, NC

Son Christopher McCann and wife Vanessa with their twins Jacob and Aria of Orlando, FL

Siblings and families of Charles Arnette, Helen Waddell, and Glenn Arnette.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Piney Forest Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Worthington Funeral Home in Chadbourn.

For those who have a personal art piece made by Gail, the family is requesting to bring your favorite piece to the services for display.

 

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