Phyllis "Gail" Gragg Brigman

Phyllis “Gail” Gragg Brigman, 75, stepped peacefully into Heaven on May 16th, 2024 at Carepartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville, NC.

A native of Buncombe County, Gail was a 1966 Charles D. Owen High graduate and lived in the Swannanoa Valley all her life. Gail loved the Lord, was a member of Patton Cove Gospel Mission, and loved to sing in the choir when she was able. She worked at Beacon Manufacturing and Charles D. Owen Manufacturing for many years and was also a cashier at the local corner store, Mr. Zip, where she was known and loved by her customers.

Gail loved her entire family fiercely and unconditionally. Lovingly known as the “Queen of Sass” to her kids and grandkids, she loved to laugh, watch old movies, and had a quick comeback in any situation. She wouldn’t take no for an answer, fought for her loved ones ALWAYS, and never turned down a slice of cheesecake. Gail had a green thumb and loved flowers, especially daisies. Her greatest treasure was her children, both the ones she birthed and the ones she “raised”, never missing a choral concert, band competition, football, or baseball game, cheering us on and smiling with pride.

Gail was the daughter of the late Vincent Arnold Gragg Sr. and Martha Catherine Lackey Gragg of Swannanoa, NC. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Judy Gragg Souther, and brothers, Dallas Gragg, and Vincent Arnold Gragg Jr.

Left to honor her memory are her adoring children, daughters Dianne McDowell and husband Tony, of Texas, Jenny Curry and husband Dan of Weaverville, NC, and her son Jerry Brigman and wife Maggie, with whom she resided; grandchildren, Paige McDowell of Texas, Taylor Curry and Adam Curry of Weaverville, NC, Joshua McDowell and wife Toni of Texas, Nathanael McDowell and wife Jaydan of Texas, and Joshua Utokey Brigman of Swannanoa; niece, Michelle McCoy of Arden, NC; grand-nephew Dakota McCoy and grand-niece Amy McCoy; along with many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, May 25th at 3 P.M. in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue in Asheville, NC. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

The family humbly asks that those who wish to attend please honor Gail by wearing pinks, purples and blues instead of black. She loved all colors and they always made her smile.