A celebration of the life of
Gayle Joenell Perry Satchell, will occur on
Friday, February 14, 2025
Viewing 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Service 11:00 a.m.
St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church
5359 Lebanon Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Interment: Ivy Hill Cemetery
Gayle Joenell Perry Satchell, affectionately known as “Dolly,” was born on August 6, 1947 in Philadelphia, PA, to the late John Henry and Gladyce Robinson Perry. She was educated in the Philadelphia school system attending J.S. Jenks Elementary School, Cooke Junior High School, and Germantown High School. She graduated from Cheyney State University with her Bachelor’s degree in Education.
On September 2, 1972, Gayle married the love of her life, Norman C. Satchell. Together they loved and nurtured their three daughters Hillerie, Marlon and Marsha who are kind, intelligent, accomplished women.
In her early career Gayle worked at Bell Telephone and Girard Bank (now Wells Fargo) where she was one of only a handful of African American branch managers. She dedicated the majority of her professional life to teaching high school English in the Philadelphia School District where she shared her love of reading and literature with her students for over 30 years. Known for her balance of toughness with care, Gayle was a supportive and inspiring motivator who instilled life enhancing values in all those she taught. After retirement, Gayle enjoyed a second career as a Real Estate Broker. She helped numerous clients achieve their goals of personal home ownership and real estate investment.
Gayle deeply valued friendship and was fortunate to have a wealth of friends, many of whom remained lifelong companions. She was lively, funny, and full of her own loving yet fiery opinions, which she loved to share with those around her. Gayle was sincere, genuine, dependable, always there with a helping hand, a listening ear and valuable insight and advice. She was a true friend, who was cherished by her friends.
Gayle was also generous, kind, welcoming, open-hearted, and a mentor or second mother to many, and someone who would push you to be the best person you could be.
Gayle was an accomplished seamstress, but in her free time, Gayle loved reading, enhancing her French, and spending time with family and friends. She was also a devoted member of St. Barbara’s Ladies of St. Peter Claver Court #326. She was happiest when she was spending time with those she loved. One of her favorite things was the annual Christmas gathering at her home, when she was surrounded by the entire family.
She departed this life on Thursday, February 6, 2025 surrounded by her family. Gayle leaves behind her husband Norman C. Satchell, daughters Hillerie Maddox (Gregory), Marlon Satchell, Marsha Mack (Eric), brother John Baron Perry, sister Marsha Perry, grandchildren Gregory Maddox, Jordan Maddox, Cece Mack, Joseph Mack, Benjamin Mack, nieces Rebecca Kolodner (Lou), Elisa-Beth Perry, Gayle Perry-Johnson, first cousin Frank Williams Jr., and bonus sister Artrice Braxton along with a host of other cousins, extended family and treasured friends all of whom will forever hold her memory as a blessing.
