To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose, under heaven, a time to be born, and a time to die. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Rebecca Lee Gayden, 80, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family members on Friday, December 19, 2025, following a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Born on October 9, 1945, in DeQuincy, Louisiana, Rebecca (Beckie) was the fourth daughter of Mose and Ella Gums Thomas.  Rebecca accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age while a member of Morning Star Baptist Church in DeQuincy, Louisiana.

Rebecca graduated from Grand Avenue High School in 1963 and earned her degree in Elementary Education from Grambling College in 1967.  Beckie moved to Los Angeles, California, shortly after completing her college curricular, where she dedicated numerous years to thousands of students in early childhood education.

Beckie married her one and only love, David Gayden. This faithful couple remained united for 44 years until David's death in March 2021.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her husband, David Gayden; father, Mose Thomas, Sr.; mother, Ella Gums Thomas; and brother, Joseph L. Thomas.

She is survived by five sisters:  Ruthie Carter (Beaumont, CA); Alice [Curtis] Brown (Elkhart, IN); Loicy Thomas Scott (Lake Charles); Louella David (DeQuincy); Mary Mallory (Lake Charles); one brother, Mose Thomas, Jr. (DeQuincy); stepdaughter, Debra Gayden Carter (Baton Rouge ); stepson, Ronald Wayne [Tiwana] Gayden (Lake Charles); sister-in-law, Margaret [William] Carter (California); plus, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and other close relatives and friends.

She will be remembered for her great passion for children, as well as her expertise in beautiful artwork, such as quilting and photography. Beckie leaves a lasting memory and impact to everyone she met. She will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of Beckie's life will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00am in King's Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation with family and friends will begin at 9:00am. Burial internment will follow at Paradise Cemetery of DeQuincy, Louisiana, under the direction of King's Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rebecca Gayden's memory may be made to the Eljay Foundation for Parkinson Awareness, Inc. at PO Box 16558, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70616.