Vivian "Gail" Halbrook

Vivian Gail (Pace) Halbrook, 81, of Salem, Missouri, passed away on Month Day, Year, at Seville Care Center. She was born October 6, 1944, in Salem to Berniece (Johnson) and John Wilbern Pace. Gail is survived by her husband, Ervin Halbrook; daughter, Lisa Halbrook; son, Jason Halbrook and wife Elizabeth "Izzy"; and grandchildren, Oakley Benson and Owen Halbrook. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Gloria Lee Nash and Carol Ann Johnson. Vivian Gail Halbrook, but don't you dare call her "Vivian," was born October 6, 1944, in Salem, Missouri, to John Wilbern and Berniece (Johnson) Pace. The middle of three sisters, Gail spent much of her life taking care of the people she loved. In many ways, that started when she was still a child herself. Her younger sister, Carol Ann, was often sick, and Gail helped care for her while still making sure she got to have a childhood and play like a "normal" kid. Family was always at the center of Gail's world. She remained close to her sisters, Gloria and Carol Ann, and to her cousin Patty. Even as adults, the family stayed connected. Gail and Ervin lived next door to her parents, while Carol Ann and her family lived right beside them. There was always somebody stopping by, checking in, borrowing something, or sitting down for a visit. Gail never met a hungry person she wasn't willing to feed. She learned much of her cooking from Ervin's mother, Edith, and became known for the meals that brought people together around her table. Whether it was the Flowers boys helping Ervin on the farm or friends visiting for the afternoon, nobody left Gail's house hungry. She was especially proud of her baking and cake decorating and made beautiful birthday cakes over the years, particularly when her daughter Lisa was young. Gail and Ervin were blessed with two children, Lisa and Jason. After raising Lisa, they were surprised sixteen years later by Jason's arrival. What they first suspected was menopause, and then possibly a tumor, turned out to be a baby boy. It became one of the family's favorite stories to tell. She was also the kind of aunt who never really stopped being an aunt. When Carol Ann was deathly ill, Gail promised she would always take care of her daughter, Natalie. It was a promise that she kept. That summer was filled with evenings spent at Gail's house with Lisa and Jason, watching American Idol, eating a lot of Sonic, and simply being together. Her caring nature extended to every stage of life. When her mother entered a nursing home, Gail was there almost every day. For six years she visited, sat with her, and cared for her with the same devotion that had defined her entire life. While Gail was a caretaker, she was never a quiet one. She loved gospel music, singing, and playing the piano. She was the girly-girl of the sisters and was forever trying to convince them to fix their hair, wear a little makeup, or put more effort into getting ready. She could also be hilariously funny, a little ornery when she wanted to be, and always entertaining. Gail knew exactly what she wanted and was rarely afraid to go after it. Perhaps one of the things she valued most was authenticity. She once said that her favorite people were those who stayed the same no matter who they were talking to or what situation they were in. She believed in being yourself, and she lived that way every day. Gail loved fiercely, lived fiercely, and never apologized for either. Gail entered her heavenly home on August 14, 2025, at the age of 81. She leaves behind a family who will miss her phone calls, her cooking, her stories, her advice, and her ability to make any gathering feel like home. We take comfort in knowing that the woman who spent her life caring for others is finally at rest. Funeral services for Gail Halbrook will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM at he James & Gahr Mortuary prior to the service from 11AM until service time. Interment will follow at the Northlawn Cemetery in Salem.

Vivian "Gail" Halbrook

October 6, 1944 - August 14, 2026

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Vivian "Gail" Halbrook

October 6, 1944 - August 14, 2026

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information