Vicki Byrum Hale

   Vicki Jo Byrum Hale, 54, of 895 US Highway 13 North, Gates, NC, died Tuesday, October 10, 2023 in her home, surrounded by her family who she loved dearly, and after a long illness.

   Vicki was born in Greensboro on December 16, 1968 and was the daughter of the late Lloyd Raye Byrum and Betty Jo Savage Umphlett. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two newborn daughters, Jordan Nicole and Morgan Grace Hale, and by her cherished step-father, James Thomas “Jimmy” Umphlett.

   Vicki worked a variety of jobs in her life, an employment career that included waitressing as a teenager at Art’s Kitchen, Doris & Roger’s, and George’s Steakhouse; later at Lane Farm Supply and Bundy Lane’s Hog Farm; and lastly at the Aviation Logistics Center for the United States Coast Guard. She then took up the full-time duties as a mom after she and her husband adopted two boys, ages 8 and 11, to complete their family.

   She was blessed with a creative spirit which included talents such as drawing, crafting, sewing, and designing things…almost anything that could be imagined including their family home. She was also an animal lover that would pet and talk to every dog she ever met whether it belonged to her or not. Vicki enjoyed genealogy including the links of the Savage family back to Colonial times, and as an adopted child herself, recently found her birth family ties and got to meet her half-brother two years ago for the very first time.

   Surviving is her husband of 30 years, Danny Ray Hale; their sons, Kody Hale (wife, Katelyn) of Gates and Keith Hale of Gatesville; her brother, Ricky Byrum (wife, Eva) of Gatesville; and her half-brother, Derek Shire (wife, Pam) of Hessmer, LA. Also surviving are Jimmy’s children, Rhonda Umphlett Perry (husband, Mark) of Corapeake and Joe Umphlett (wife, Rita) of Carrsville, VA; her loving friend, Michele Wallis of Eure; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. And no survivors list would be complete without mentioning her faithful canine companion, Bear.

   A service in Celebration of her Life will be held Monday, October 16th, at 2:00 p.m. in Reynoldson Baptist Church and will be conducted by Pastor Cody Brinkley, by longtime friends Greg and Jim Pulling, and by her brother, Rick Byrum. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public viewing. Friends may visit with the family at the residence.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Reynoldson Baptist Church, 73 Reynoldson Road, Gates, NC 27937, or to the Gates County Educational Association for Excellence, by contacting the Board of Education Office at 252-357-1113 and speaking with Jeremy Wright at Ext. 21, or visiting the Board website, locating the Education Foundation and using the PayPal format. (This fund supports and enriches educational programs and opportunities for local Gates County students).

   The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Gentiva Hospice, particularly Yvette and Tamika among others, for the care and comfort given their loved one during her declining health. Also special thanks to the many friends that have supported, loved, checked on, and visited Vicki throughout the years of her illness. Heartfelt gratitude to Lisa Cabral, Chessie Cabral, Lin Firth, Lisa Mae, Amanda Taylor, Angie Parsain, Amy Donahue, Michele Wallis, and many others.

   Vicki loved everything and everyone she ever met. Her last wish was for all her friends to uplift her family, to celebrate her life, to see the joy that they gave her, and to know and always remember that although she left too soon, she lived life to the fullest, smiled, and was blessed with every day she was given.

   Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.