Elizabeth Gale Curlett

In Loving Memory of Reverend Elizabeth Gale Curlett First Breath: October 3, 1947 – Last Smile: April 13, 2025

Reverend Elizabeth Gale Curlett, lovingly known as “Gale” or “Rev” to all who knew and cherished her, entered into eternal life on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. Her transition on one of the holiest days of the Christian calendar was a sacred punctuation to a life defined by faith, service, and deep familial love.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Gale was the eldest daughter of the late Frank E. and Dorothy J. Thornton. She was raised in a close-knit family, surrounded by strong values, plenty of laughter, and even more love. In the early 1970s, she moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a transition that marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey of public service, ministry, and unwavering devotion to others.

Gale’s professional career was distinguished by over 20 years in Pennsylvania state government, including work at the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She served with grace and excellence, collaborating with notable leaders like PA State Senator Vincent Hughes, former State Representative, Gordon Linton, the late State Representative David P. Richardson, Jr., the late State Senator Hardy Williams, and the late State Representatives Harold James. She later became the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, where her leadership left an indelible mark. Upon retiring, Gale’s heart for service wouldn’t let her rest for long. Compelled by her unwavering commitment to uplift others, she took on a new role with Dauphin County Youth Advocacy Program as a mobile therapist—pouring her wisdom, compassion, and steady presence into the lives of young people who needed guidance, encouragement, and someone to believe in them.

Her educational journey reflected her passion for learning and helping others. Gale earned a Master of Divinity from Lancaster Theological College, a Doctor of Theology from the Philadelphia Bible College and Seminary—where she received the Eagle Award for highest academic achievement—and a Master of Human Services from Lincoln University. She believed knowledge was a tool to inspire others, and she used hers generously.

A trailblazer in the pulpit, Gale was the first woman licensed to preach at Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Harrisburg and later became the first woman ordained and installed as Assistant Pastor at Turner Memorial Missionary Baptist Church in Steelton. Her sermons were rich with biblical insight and maternal compassion, delivered with conviction and clarity. Gale didn’t just walk with God—she strolled, hand in hand, with grace, humor, and purpose.

In 2003, Gale returned to Wilkes-Barre to lovingly care for her mother, Dorothy. This period became one of the most cherished chapters of her life. It was here that the sacred and the simple converged: card games—particularly Rummy 500—became daily rituals filled with joy and rich conversation. Gale, and her mother, Dorothy, alongside her legendary aunts and uncles, Rebecca Murray, Shirley Walker, Estelle McGoy, Charlene Jenkins, Junior Medley, Morris Medley, (all deceased), Charles & Rayetta Medley, Jody Medley and her sisters, turned card-playing into an Olympic sport.  The "Medley and Thornton Clan," as they were known, were an inseparable force, traveling together, attending church together, and spending nearly every waking hour in each other’s presence. Their joy and laughter were frequent and infectious, their bond unbreakable.

Although Gale relocated to Atlanta just a year ago, her bond with her daughters remained as strong as ever. She saw them often, spoke with them daily, and never missed a chance to remind them how proud she was of the women they had become. April, Sheila, Deby and Akeela weren’t just her daughters—they were her best friends, her trusted circle, and her heartbeats. She poured wisdom into them, prayed over them, and celebrated every victory, big or small. And when it came to her grandchildren, they were the light in her eyes, and the joy in her soul. She showed up for them in every way—whether it was a phone call, a birthday, a graduation, or just to hear about their day. To be loved by Gale as a child or grandchild was to know you had a constant cheerleader, prayer warrior, and safe space—wrapped into one unforgettable woman.

Gale was a servant. She didn’t just help people—she lived to serve. Whether she was organizing a church ministry, volunteering in the community, or just showing up for someone in need, she gave of herself freely—with no expectation of anything in return. Helping people wasn’t a task for her; it was who she was. If Gale heard you were struggling, she didn’t just pray for you—she showed up, sleeves rolled up, ready to do whatever needed to be done. She had a unique gift for making people feel seen, heard, and deeply valued.

Gale was an avid cruiser. At last count she sailed twelve times. She loved to sit on the ship’s Lido deck and listen to Caribbean and calypso music. While on land, you could find Gale perched on the front porch, people-watching and talking while her gospel music played from her cell phone. Television was her favorite sport; she didn’t just watch TV—she was an active and lively participant. Whether it was a courtroom show, a detective drama, or her favorite late-night series, Gale was in the scene. Watching her watch television was our entertainment.

Though she is no longer with us in the physical sense, her spirit lingers in every soul she touched. Her legacy will live on through the sermons she preached, the lives she helped shape, the family she adored, and the laughter that still echoes from the Medley & Thornton Sisters’ legendary card games.

Gale leaves behind a legacy of strength, and generational love. Her memory will be treasured by her daughters: April (Derrick) James, Sheila Johnson, and Deborah (Cephus) Taylor, all of Harrisburg, PA. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren: Akeela (Jeffrey) of Lawrenceville, GA; Tristan Nicholson, Courtenay Walker, Kelsey James (Wilkes-Barre, PA); Kyle White (Atlanta, GA); Brooke Taylor, Abronah Taylor, and Michael Reese. She also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren; Kaiya Roland (Atlanta, GA); Tristshel Nicholson-Brownlee, Honor Logan (Lawrenceville, GA), Cole Taylor Brannon, Jayceon Rosado, Alana Tong-White, Krue Pollard, and O’Dalous Gessler-Walker.

She is also remembered with love by her sisters: Sandra Jackson (Harrisburg, PA), Marsha Peoples (Wilkes-Barre, PA), Lillian (Oliver) Johnson (Harrisburg, PA), and Haddie Barnes (Wilkes-Barre, PA); her uncles Charles (Rayetta) Medley and Jody Medley (Wilkes-Barre, PA); and her nieces and nephews: Michelle Bohnke, Jordin Abdeen, Maurya (Damon) Whittaker, Oliver Johnson, Jr., Maurice (Myra) Jackson, Shaunice Whittaker, Christopher Whittaker, Jeren Collins, Jalen Johnson, London Johnson, Yoanna, Asa and Isla Jackson and a host of additional family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Frank and Dorothy Thornton, and a brother, Skippy.

A celebration of Gale’s beautiful life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at New Covenant Christian Fellowship Church, 780 S. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA. The viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery, 1250 S. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Reverend Elizabeth Gale Curlett, ran her race with strength and dignity. And now, having heard the words “Well done, good and faithful servant,” she rests in the eternal embrace of her Savior.