Norman, OK - Gayle Louise Portwood

Gayle Louise (Hardwick) Portwood of Norman, Oklahoma, entered the gates of heaven on

Monday, May 25, 2026, at the age of 93. Gayle was born December 14,1932 to Edgar and

Beatrice (Bottoms) Hardwick at their home on East Frank Street in Norman, OK. Gayle and

her family moved to Lexington, Oklahoma where she attended elementary school through

her freshman year in high school. The family returned to Norman where she graduated

Norman High School in 1950 then attended The University of Oklahoma, receiving her

degree in Home Economics/Fashion Design in 1954. She was an active member of Alpha

Phi sorority.

Upon graduating OU, Gayle went to work for Oklahoma Natural Gas Company in the Home

Service division. On September 17, 1954 she married J. Edward Portwood of Norman, OK,

who had returned home from the military. Three years later they began their family

starting with Diana Leigh, followed by J. Thomas, Sally Gay and James Hardwick over a six

year time period. They were married for 69 beautiful years until his death on January 1,

2023.

Gayle was an avid golfer, her favorite hobby, which she enjoyed for more than 45 years,

during which time she belonged to several ladies' golf associations while living in Lubbock,

TX, Amarillo, TX and Oklahoma City, OK. She also loved gardening and interior decorating.

She worked alongside her husband J. in several businesses they owned together for more

than 30 years. She finally retired at 85 years old.

Gayle and J. were inseparable during their golden years in Norman (their favorite town),

enjoying OU sporting events, high school friends, and spending time with their family

which has grown to include ten grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren who they

adored.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, J. Edward Portwood, her parents,

brother, William Hugh Hardwick, Norman, OK, nephew, Michael Rowland Hardwick, sister,

Diane Sue (Hardwick) Freeny, Oklahoma City, OK, nephew, Thomas K. Hendrick, Jr.,

fraternal grandparents, William Montgomery and Claudia Garrett Hardwick, and maternal

grandparents, William Luther and Hattie Lee Barnett Bottoms. Gayle is survived by her four

children, Diana Leigh Disney (Walt), J. Thomas Portwood (Carol), Sally Gay Caddell (David)

and James Hardwick Portwood (Teresa). She is also survived by her precious grandchildren

and great-grandchildren: Anna Caddell (Georgia), Sara Harmon (Connor), Colton and

Jessica Portwood (Jansen, Weston), Tyler and Jennifer Portwood (Andi, Kade), McKenna

and Danny Otto (Kate, Stevie), Kammi and Chris Lohne (Fred, Felix, Fletcher), Ben Hill, John

and Ashley Hill (Penelope, Juniper), Elle and Billy Prater (Liam, Mila), and Will and

Rhiannon Portwood, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

Upon Gayle's request, contributions can be made to the Memory Garden at the First

Christian Church in Norman, Oklahoma, where she will be inurned with her beloved

husband, J.