Gail Bartley Baxter, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, community activist and lifelong advocate, left this life on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. She was born in New York, NY on June 3, 1945.
Gail graduated from Evander Childs Educational Campus, a High School in the Bronx in 1963 and studied at Bowling Green State University, in Ohio, graduating in the class of 1967.
Gail married Richard Baxter and they had two children: Patrick and Matthew. Gail, Patrick, and Matthew moved to Yonkers, New York around 1976.
In 1988, Gail brought her grandson, Jordan Bazemore, home from the hospital. They have always enjoyed a mother/son relationship. Jordan was a tremendous support to Gail during these past few challenging years. He graduated from Saunders HS and has been employed by the YPS for 15 years.
Shortly after moving to Yonkers, Gail went to work for the Bank of Tokyo Trust Company and later worked for Nynex Telephone Company. Gail also worked as a Parent Coordinator with the Yonkers Public Schools before retiring.
Gail Baxter was a Civil and Social Rights Advocate for 5 decades. She was well known for her passion, courage, and activism. Her legal knowledge and years of experience with navigating school systems helped countless families receive the services they needed. Gail will be most remembered as a crusader for helping the underdog, being the voice of the under-served.
Gail has been officially recognized by the NY State Senate for her service in the NAACP, the Yonkers City Council as a YPS Parent Coordinator, the Westchester County Board of Legislators for Yonkers Council PTSA’s, among many other awards and proclamations.
Gail served as President of the Exceptional Child PTA (SEPTA), Chairperson of Mayor Spano’s African American Advisory Board, a member of the City Council President’s African American Advisory Board, the Aquehung Democratic Women’s Club and Gail was a long standing and active member of the Yonkers Branch of NAACP, becoming the Yonkers Branch President from 2008-2010.
Gail was a member of numerous boards, commissions and community-based organizations in Yonkers and Westchester County. Gail’s volunteer commitments are too numerous to list them all. She was a mentor with the Yonkers Partner in Education Program (YPIE) and at Palisades Prep HS, among other educational organizations.
Gail leaves behind two sons: Patrick and Matthew Baxter (Amanda); three grandchildren: Lincoln Baxter, Niko Baxter, and Jordan Bazemore; one brother Dana Moore Sr. (Venice), a sister-in-law Helen Hoffman (Carl); nephew Dana Michael Moore and many more friends and family. She sorrowfully leaves her companion “Buddy” who she treasured.
One of Gail’s favorite quotes was,“We live in a world where ‘Let the Other Guy do it’ is the prevailing mantra. Now is the time to design a revolution where no one is left behind!” and “We should never fall back on another guy in getting the work done. It’s about the man in the mirror.”
Services will be officiated by Rev Steve Lopez on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 7:00pm at Calvary Center Church, 712 North Broadway, Yonkers, New York 10701. Services will stream via Facebook Live on the Calvary Center Church in Yonkers page.
To honor Gail’s advocacy, we are in the process of creating a Memorial Scholarship for a HS Senior with Special Needs VIA Yonkers Council of PTA’s, therefore in lieu of flowers please donate to YCPTA. Mail any donation to: YCPTA at 1 Larkin Center, Yonkers, NY 10701 NOTATE: Gail Baxter Fund
Special Thanks to Kisha D. Skipper for helping compose the obituary as a tribute to Gail, one whom she admired.
