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Gail's life is an inspiration to never limit one's creative expression, to build community, and to live with love. This is our tribute to a woman who touched many lives with her quiet brilliance, kindness, and unmistakable presence. Through every walk, sketch, and act of generosity, she helped build community in Johannesburg. Her legacy lives on in the streets she walked and the beauty she created. We share our deepest condolences with her husband, Terry, and children, family, and friends.
In memory of Gail Scott Wilson
Gail was unmistakable — vivid pink hair, a quiet presence, and a grounded grace that made you feel seen. A steady companion on countless Joburg walks, she showed up with heart, humour, and unwavering generosity.
Gail made things possible. When a new idea for a walk emerged, Gail would be among the first I would call to invite — and she always responded with openness and warmth. In a city of shifting pavements and fragile connections, she helped build community with every shared step.
During lockdown, her artistic spirit emerged for me more visibly. Online, her creations echoed the unspeakable and offered solace when I felt unmoored. She reminded me of the healing power of beauty, of making meaning amid chaos.
Gail gave without hesitation — her time, her empathy, her belief in others. She carried both joy and pain with courage, and she loved Johannesburg fiercely. We will carry her with us — in memories, artworks, streets walked together, and the gentle encouragement she gave so freely.
She leaves behind an imprint of compassion, resilience, and quiet brilliance.
May those who loved her find comfort in knowing she mattered deeply — and always will.
Laurice Taitz-Buntman, on behalf of Johannesburg In Your Pocket
At one of the memorial services over the past week – at The Wilds on Saturday, August 1, we joined a circle of Gail's friends to honour her memory. The Wilds was a space that she loved and to which, over the years, she added her artworks. Wherever Gail went, she connected deeply and gave fully. At the event, Dr Katherine Munro of Joburg Heritage Foundation and those of us who gathered read the countless tributes that have followed in the wake of Gail's passing. We celebrated her life and laid pink flowers to remember her unmistakable presence.
As friend Eugenie Drakes reminded us: "An invisible pink thread connected all those who knew Gail at different times, places, or circumstances. Gail has left us, but the thread that binds us remains. Johannesburg will never be the same for me, but the memories of times and adventures with her will remain in my heart forever..."
We loved her adaptation from a Chinese proverb, which is Drake's philosophy of life. "An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet irrespective of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break."
#JustaJoziGirl captured in 20 Instagram posts
We thought the best way to capture the spirit and essence of Gail was to share a selection of her sketches and reflections. Gail was meticulous in chronicling her experiences of Joburg. Here are some of our favourite posts on her Instagram page @dizzylexa.
1. Jul 25, 2024: This is where my love for hunting and photographing graffiti started. When I got my first DSLR camera, l got Terry to drive me around to get some cityscape shots and we came across this area with all its graffiti covered columns – I was hooked. Unfortunately, these days I seldom go on hunts any longer and rather follow others on FB or Instagram. It was like a mini reunion with the area on Sunday when I was in Newtown.
2. Jul 3, 2024: My "Silver Platter" series. This one is for our Road Agency – Robots/Traffic Iights don't function for months on end, road markings cannot be seen, potholes are the norm on most of our roads, manholes have no covers, with no urgency to fix any of the above. Roads and streets are not clearly identified, if at all.
3. Mar 31, 2024: Quick sketches in my little black book which I carry around in my bag. #sketchingoutings.
4. Dec 10, 2023: Final day of the #16daysofactivismagainstgenderbasedviolence but we have much to Unpack and fight for. Let us not give up. #16daysofactivism2023 #endgenderbasedviolence#artistsagainstgenderbasedviolence
PLUS we need to support each other and show others how to be empathetic human beings. Let's call out bad behaviour and not accept it.
Photo: @dizzylexa.
5. Sep 23, 2023: Signage in Chinatown never fails to amuse me, it conjures up so many hilarious thoughts. #signage
6. Sep 14, 2023: My sketch of 44 Main Street during the Paint First Draw Later workshop at the Regional Urban Sketching the City of Gold. @urbansketchersjohannesburg.
7. Mar 7, 2023: Today I celebrate 12 years of having pink hair, however not being well for the last couple of weeks, it's a tad on the grey side. One of the shop owners in Chinatown asked where my daughter was today, and only when she mentioned how much she loved her pink hair, did I realise she was talking about me – definitely going to have to do something about my hair, seems like the hair colour makes a huge difference whether I'm a mom or a daughter. 🤣
8. Apr 24, 2022: A close-up of the Shiva Shakti statue at the temple in Actonville.
9. Oct 29, 2023: Leaving Villa Arcadia makes one feel special with all this purple, like royalty. @johannesburginyourpocket@gautrain #jacarandainyourpocket2023 #jacarandainyourpocket #BetterFutures #partneringforgood #yourjourneystartswithgautrain
10. Jan 12, 2023: Unfortunately, when you are giving your home a major makeover, some things just have to go. Maybe time for new beginnings. #homemakeover
11. Nov 20, 2022: Positivity on the streets of the Joburg CBD. ❤️
12. Apr 19, 2022: I'm not religious in any way but all these religious holidays celebrated over the weekend made me think about believing. I believe in many things in and about life, I believe the sun will rise and set each day, I believe in the love I receive from my family, I believe in right and wrong, good and bad, and so much more.
Photo: @dizzylexa.
13. Day 10 - You the abuser/rapist have taken our freedom away from us, in some cases taken the one place we should feel safe – Home, and turned it into hell. So please do tell us – where may we feel free to live, work, shop etc. #artistsagainstgbv #16daysofactivism #stopviolenceagainstwomen
14. Apr 27, 2022: Protesting on Freedom Day.
Photo: @dizzylexa.
15. Jan 30, 2022: Worked on the Ash walls today and was able to find my name on a few of the flower containers. #braamfonteincemetery
16. May 10, 2025: A quick sketch before attending my first visit to the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome. Tried to finish it off whilst waiting for the show to start, and got a few memory recalls wrong. Oh well, there is a resemblance. #urbansketchersouthafrica #uskjohannesburg.
17. Nov 13, 2024: So good to be out hugging old trees, bet you have no idea where I was for some morning exercise. A visit to the Joburg Zoo. We were so impressed with everything from the animals, staff and how clean it was. A great morning out. @joburgparkszoo.
18. Jul 7, 2024: Sketching in Sophiatown with frozen hands on a tour of blue plaques on significant buildings and places. The history of forced removals in the 1950s is awfully sad and humbling. This is one of only two houses that survived.
19. Mar 22, 2024: Drumming as we reflect on not only our human rights but of those worse off than most. #1000drumsforpalestine #ceasefirenow🇵🇸 📸Bridget.
20. Jul 19, 2024: We share breakfast.
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