DOVER - Gayle E. Navert (Jones, Castle) passed away on Oct. 29, 2018 at Kent General Hospital after a short illness.
Born to the late Herman and Ida Lingo Jones, she was a lifelong resident of Dover. Mrs. Navert was a graduate of Dover High School in 1955 where she was involved in many clubs and activities including the Dover H.S. marching band. Known for her friendly, outgoing personality, she was dubbed "the most talkative"" and as having the sweetest smile. She was still very involved with her classmates and attended monthly breakfasts with them.
Preceded in death was her first husband, David Castle; and John (Jack) Navert, her second spouse; as well as her granddaughter, Kelly Castle Hoffman.
She leaves her loving children, Ann Castle of Gaithersburg, Md., Dale Castle of Magnolia, Karen Trexler of Dover; and stepdaughters, Jacquelynn Navert-Lyon and Jennifer Navert-Ford of Georgia. In addition, Mrs. Navert was a dedicated grandmother to her 14 grandchildren and her seven great-grandchildren.
Mrs, Navert worked at Delaware Trust for almost 20 years and was beloved by her customers, who were always greeted by name and given a lollipop for their children or a dog biscuit for their pets. She discovered her true passion, however, when she and her husband, Jack, built and founded Serenity Place, the first and only halfway house for men in recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction in Kent County. Mrs. Navert served as the first Executive Director and was respected and loved by the men who were serious about attaining and growing in their sobriety. Many, many men credited Serenity Place with saving their lives and Mrs. Navert regularly received cards, letters and photos from past residents thanking her.
Though she didn't want to retire, the time came when she did so and she moved to Luther Tower II on Babbs Road in Dover. She flourished there and became good friends with many of the residents, whom she loved dearly. Her neighbor, Gloria Dyer, was a very special friend, and she and Mrs. Navert took good care of one another.
Mrs. Navert was a long time member of People's Church on Bradford Street and it is there that a memorial service will take place in the future.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that donations be made in her name to Serenity Place, 327 Martin St., Dover, DE 19901.
Letters of condolences may be sent and guestbook signed at
www.torbertfuneral.com