Karen Gail Utley

Karen Gail Robinson Utley, a woman of unfaltering Christian faith, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026. She was an incredible role model, demonstrating unmeasurable levels of love, care, service, and devotion to her family along with everyone she knew and everything she did.

Gail was born October 13, 1938 to Leslie and Bernice Robinson in Little Rock, Arkansas. She spent a happy childhood in the small town of Cabot, Arkansas, where she spent her days playing outside and walking to the local movie theater for every new film premiere. In junior high, she met Ray, who would become the love of her life. Gail played basketball, served as a varsity football cheerleader, was crowned homecoming queen, and graduated valedictorian of Cabot High School.

In July 1956, she and Ray eloped to Mississippi to begin their 70-year marriage. They started their journey in Pine Bluff, Arkansas where Gail worked for a local bank and later as an executive secretary for Arkansas Power and Light while Ray began coaching. They welcomed their daughter, Lisa, in 1959 and then their son, Lee, in 1963. As Ray’s career progressed, the family relocated across Texas, living in Dallas, Friendswood, and back to Dallas before settling in Cypress upon retirement to be close to their children and grandchildren. Wherever they lived,Gail poured her heart into raising their children, supporting her husband, and remaining active in their local Baptist church communities.

Gail approached life with unmistakable energy. An intense competitor, she loved playing golf and tennis with Ray and on local tournament-winning teams. Her personal pastimes included knitting, sewing, cooking, baking, reading, and fearlessly completing crossword puzzles in ink. Outside of her family, her greatest passion was genealogy. She spent considerable hours in libraries and online researching family lineages, taking immense pride in her historical ties to early Virginia (Henry Lee House) and Williamsburg (Bruton Parish Church). Her research led to many family road trips to cemeteries, where Ray could often be found holding an umbrella over Gail in heavy rains while she took headstone etchings and photos. This dedicated work will be cherished by her family forever. Gail also generously shared her time and expertise helping others discover their own roots. She was a member of numerous lineage organizations including the Daughters of the American Revolution, United States Daughters of 1812, The National Society Colonial Dames 17th Century, The National Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, The Jamestown Society, and The National Society Magna Charta Dames. She was a DAR volunteer genealogist, held several elected officer positions, and was deeply involved in the Daughters of 1812 JROTC medal scholarship program.

Gail is survived by her husband of 70 years, A. Ray Utley; her daughter Lisa Harvey; her son Lee Utley and his wife Kristin; her six grandsons and their spouses and partners, Kyle (Carmen) Utley, Eric Utley (Jelana Marquez), Mark Utley (Kayla Frad), Austin (Brittany) King, Marshall (Leslie) King, and Christopher (Ashley) King; and her five great-grandchildren, Everly, Matthew, Emma, Sara, and Leighton.

Gail lived a long, vibrant life defined by her sharp mind, competitive spirit, and dedication to others. She was a beautiful woman adored and loved by so many who will miss her.

A grave side service will be held at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Cabot, Arkansas on July 29, 202.6 at 11:00. The family requests no flowers but that donations be made to the Roaring Lambs at roaringlambs.org/donate in Gail’s honor. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Online guest book at www.smithfamilycares.com