Harrisonburg – Elizabeth Bailey Gambill, 84, died on May 23, 2007 at Oak Lea Nursing Home. She was born February 16, 1923 in Sussex County, a daughter of the late John Alexander and Geneva Babb Bailey.
Mrs. Gambill was a member of Harrisonburg Baptist Church, Harrisonburg/Rockingham Shenandoah Valley Dental Auxillary (State Rep.), Harrisonburg Jr. Women's Club, a Girl Scout Leader, HBC interior decorating chairperson, flower committee, and promoted "Chrismon" tree. She graduated valedictorian from Courtland High School, and received her BS degree in Home Economics from James Madison University in 1943. Later she was office manager in her husband's dental practice and participated in post-graduate dental lectures with him. She was well read in childhood development disabilities and treatment.
Mrs. Gambill was assistant dietitian at St. Frances Hospital in Colorado Springs, Co. (1943), draftsperson for Norfolk Naval Yard in Portsmouth (1944), Home Economics teacher for Alexandria Park High School in Chesapeake (1944-45). She had taken post graduate courses in speech at JMU, and horticulture, interior design, flower arranging, and landscape design from Blue Ridge Community College.
Mrs. Gambill was a strong believer in God, creator of all things beautiful, the practice of integrity, good Samaritan outlook, and a fair share of humor.
On June 12, 1943, she married Dr. Emerson C. Gambill, Sr., who survives. Also surviving are three children, Emerson C. Gambill, Jr., DDS, and Travis B. Gambill, both of Harrisonburg; Lindabeth G. Rasmussen of Richmond; two grandsons, Drury A. Stith Rasmussen and wife, Lea, Marc E. Townes Rasmussen; and a sister, Nancy B. Cogsdale and husband, Thomas, of Sedley. Mrs. Gambill was predeceased by a brother, Lt. Col. John A. Bailey of Duluth, Ga. A memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Lindsey Funeral Home is assisting the family.