She was a part of the Talk of the Town family at NewsChannel 5 and a fixture in the mid-state community. Gilda York died this weekend in a head-on car crash, after an SUV going the other way crossed over the center line.
For the goings-on in Madison -- Gilda York was the go-to, in her zip code and beyond.
Her infectious laugh was always on full display -- on Talk of the Town, where she would put the spotlight on community kids and her program "Ambassadors and Social Graces," teaching kids manners and service to the community.
She had recently decided to sell her formal wear shop in Madison, in part, to expand the program.
Those who knew Gilda over the years say it was her sense of giving back -- through Madison Kiwanis, the Goodlettsville chamber, or the countless other community groups she was involved in -- that drove her.
"She did that just by breathing," said Metro council member Nancy VanReece. "Gilda's impact on the generations that have worked with her -- she would laugh at me just saying that, she'd say, 'I'm not that old!' That was the thing about Gilda, her laugh was just infectious."
The driver who hit York admitted to smoking marijuana and drinking earlier in the day. No charges have been filed yet, as they wait for toxicology testing.
A gofundme* has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses.
York's visitation will be held from 12 p.m. till 2 p.m. Saturday, September 29 at the Goodlettsville Church of the Nazarene in the 400 block of Loretta Drive.
A celebration of life memorial service will follow from 2 p.m. till 2:30 p.m. with a celebration of life time of remembrance held at the church's gymnasium from 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m.
*NewsChannel 5 does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
