Gayle Farmer Oberst, 81, of Panama City Beach, FL, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025. She was born in Columbus, GA and grew up in South Alabama.
Gayle attended Troy University where she received her MBA. She taught and worked in various colleges including Troy University, Central Texas College, Enterprise State College and Gulf Coast Community College. She retired from Troy University at Dothan having served as Vice President of Finance and Administration, Executive Assistant to the President and as an Assistant Professor in Business.
Gayle served six years as a City Councilwoman for the City of Panama City Beach and later went on to be the Mayor of Panama City Beach for 10 years. As Mayor, she served on numerous boards both local and state and worked on many civic and community projects. She was fortunate to lead the city through years of change and development. She was especially proud of the greenway and the trails system that was named after her “Gayle’s Trails” and the City Conservation Park. Gayle was an active member and served on the boards of Beach Care Service, Women’s Civic Club and Kiwanis. She was an honorary member of the Rotary and Optimist Club. She served on the Board of Trustees and Women Advisor Group of Gulf Coast Medical Center, Bay Medical Foundation and Gulf World Marine Park Board.
Gayle is preceded in death by her husband, Walter Oberst; parents, Doris and Alvis Farmer; brother, Jackie O. Farmer. Sr.
She is survived by two nephews, J.J. Farmer and wife Rachel, Jonathon Farmer and wife Kinsley; a host of great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by many friends and co-workers that she grew to love through the years.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Harpoon Harry’s, 12627 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Women’s Civic Club or the Panama City Beach Senior Center.
Arrangements are being handled by Southerland Family Funeral Home.
