Ms. Jessie Gayle Tye, 98, of Barbourville, passed away Saturday afternoon, July 11, 2026 at the Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born March 25, 1928 in Knox County, the daughter of the late George Thomas and Elsie Mae Mitchell Tye.
Gayle was a retired business teacher from Knox Central High School and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Barbourville. She and her family were the longtime owners of the former Tye’s Store in downtown Barbourville. She was devoted to her family and enjoyed Sunday dinners and summer and holiday gatherings at her home.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Diana Ballard and husband, David, Dorothy Buchanan and husband, William H., and Evelyn Tye; brother, Herman M. Tye and wife, Opal; nephews, Donald Joshua “Josh” Tye and Jerry Butler and a great nephew, Kristofer Shad Quentmeyer.
Survivors include nieces, Dinah Katheryn Butler and Rebecca Ann Quentmeyer and husband, Steven; a nephew, William Thomas Buchanan; great niece, Diana Jocelyn Flynn and husband, Jerome; great nephews, Patrick Shane Quentmeyer and wife, Jenene, Tyeler Stephen Quentmeyer and wife, Haley, William Jerrad Butler and wife, Stephanie, Clay Thomas Butler and wife, Andra, and Brent Doan Tye; niece-in-law, Evelyn Tye; great-great nieces and great-great nephews; among other loved ones and dear friends.
Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel at the Barbourville Cemetery Wednesday, July 15 at 11 A.M. with Rev. Josh Smith officiating.
Casket bearers will be family and friends.
Friends may visit at the cemetery Wednesday prior to the service time.
Memorial contributions may go to the First United Methodist Church, 312 North Main Street, Barbourville, KY 40906 in her memory.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
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