St. George, Utah – Gayla Vee Brann, a cherished sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, in St. George, Utah, surrounded by her family.

Gayla was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and matriarch of a family who adored her unwavering strength, kindness, and love. She is survived by her sisters, Shay Miller and Chloe Fullton. She is also survived by her four sons: Kyle Stephens (Jessie Stephens), Kayle Stephens (Lynette Stephens), Krayton "Craig" Stephens (Chris Doss), and Kordell Stephens (Lori Stephens). She was a proud grandmother to 12 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents: father, Marion Elwood Hoopes, and mother, Zoreatha Hall; and by her beloved siblings; sisters: Nelda Orilla, Nina Joy, Bonny Gay, and brothers; Douglas Kay Hoopes and Norvan La Grande Hoopes. She is also preceded by her former husband, James "Bill" Stephens; beloved daughters-in-law: Magali Proenza and Julia Stephens; and granddaughter, Krista Stephens. Their countless memories remained close to Gayla's heart, as her legacy is one of resilience and boundless love for her family. We are sure she was welcomed with open arms at the time of her passing by many loved ones who had gone before her.

Gayla's life was a testament to the importance of family and community, and her guidance and care will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her warmth and laughter created a home where everyone felt welcome and loved. We will never forget the love that she spread all through her quilt-making, warm meals, beautiful gardening skills, yearly sister trips that meant everything to her, and constant traveling to each of the homes of her children and grandchildren to spend time with and serve them individually. She especially loved the birth of each new great-grandchild and spoiled them appropriately while taking care of her grandchildren's needs during that special time.

Gayla served in the community by working at the Clark County School District in an elementary school, was an avid volunteer at Las Vegas voter precinct locations (always being civically minded) and provided help to senior citizens through her work at the southern Utah county heat assistance program. She truly thrived in that position and talked about the work she did for many years after retirement.

We will all miss our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a light to us all in her own special way.

Until we meet again Grandma Grams.

A celebration of Gayla's life will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held Saturday, prior to services, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Mortuary. Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery located at 600 East Tabernacle Street.

Live streaming webcast is available by clicking on the broadcast below. Webcast will remain on-line for 90 days.