Gayla Ruth Hitchcock

Gayla Ruth Hitchcock, 75, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on April 9, 2026. She was born on December 11, 1950, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Howard “Tex” Grissom Sr. and Maxine Grissom.

Gayla accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age alongside her beloved grandmother, Ruth. She was the second eldest of six children born to her mother, Maxine, and one of nine children and three step-siblings in her father’s family.

She grew up in the Cumminsville, Millvale, and Madisonville communities, where she attended Heinold Middle School and Corter Tech High School. From a young age, Gayla had a vibrant spirit and loved participating in talent shows through dance, sports, and fashion.

After graduating, she pursued her passion for beauty by attending Poro Beauty School, later continuing her training with the historic Dudley School of Hair, Fashion, and Modeling. Her talent and style led her to model in runway hair shows across the country. She later became a trailblazer in her family as the first to own her own salon, “Gayla’s,” serving the communities of Coryville and Hartwell.

Gayla was a woman of many talents and passions. She was a professional bowler who earned numerous titles, trophies, and winnings. She also played shortstop on an all-women’s softball team. For over 20 years, she was known as the #1 promoter and ticket seller for the iconic Mail Handlers Dance in Cincinnati through Thump Production.

In her leisure time, Gayla loved going to bingo and the casino with her dear friends and sisters, Regina (preceded in death) and Debbie. She lived life with joy, style, and a deep love for family and community.

Gayla was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Hitchcock; Ronald Gaston; Moses Brown; her parents, Howard Grissom Sr. and Maxine Grissom; her brother, Howard Grissom Jr.; and her brother, Monty Grissom.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her children, Dawayne (Laricia) Brown and Rhonda (James Sr.) Carson; seven grandchildren, Bianca, Jamee, Deshonte, James Jr., Jamison, Jamis (Emily), and Jamar; and five great-grandchildren, Zyanna, Ziar, Zirah, Ja’Terrion, and Journee. She also leaves behind her loving siblings, Gwen, Gloria, Harold, Gretchen, Mark, Mathia, Donna, and Carmie; as well as godchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of special friends and loved ones.

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