Woman killed in crash remembered for impact she left on thousands of kids across Nashville

The 57-year-old victim of a head-on collision in Nashville over the weekend was a well-known community figure who touched the lives of thousands of teenagers across Music City, friends and loved ones recalled on Monday.

Gilda York, who lived in Old Hickory, died in a wreck that occurred at 9:50 p.m. Saturday involving her Honda Element and an SUV on Old Hickory Boulevard near 28th Street, Metro Nashville police reported.

York, who owned a tuxedo store in Rivergate for years, was the owner and operator of Ambassadors and Social Graces by Gilda — a business that helped teach high school boys across the city how to be men, said York's long-time friend, Hal Gibbs.

"She touched thousands of kids across Nashville," said Gibbs, 65, of Nashville. "She taught boys how to be polite, how to have manners, how to set the table. She was basically a (surrogate) parent to some of these young men."

York, who grew up in Madison and attended Madison High School, was involved in the Kiwanis, Hendersonville Woman's Club and a number of other organizations including the Amqui Station and Visitor’s Center in Madison.

"There is a lot of sadness in the Madison community regarding her passing," Pastor Jay Voorhees, with City Road Chapel United Methodist Church in Madison, said Monday.

"Gilda was just very energetic and had a deep love for her community," said Voorhees, who knew York for about two years. "We will miss her greatly."

According to a preliminary police investigation, officers determined a northbound 2009 Cadillac Escalade driven by 27-year-old Catherine Pinhal crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a 2007 Honda Element driven by York.

Pinhal, who suffered non-life threatening injuries in the wreck, agreed to have a blood sample drawn, and she admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana earlier in the day, police said. The toxicology test will determine whether Pinhal was impaired. 

Those who knew York well took to social media after her death to express condolences.

"Mrs. Gilda...I just had breakfast with you last week," Amber Woods posted on Facebook. "I finally got to introduce you to my little boy. You were and will continue to be a very strong influence in my life. Thank you for taking a chance on me so many years ago and teaching me things and lessons I had yet to learn. I love you."

Although she didn't live there, many Sumner County residents also mourned the loss of a mentor, friend and volunteer.

York was a member of the Hendersonville Woman's Club for five years and helped in the inaugural Miss Hendersonville Pageant.

"Her love of young people was a rare and special gift. Through her Ambassadors & Social Graces program she bonded with each teen and helped guide them through life by encouraging them to give back to the community every chance they get," the organization posted on Facebook. "Her reputation in the event industry was unmatched. Many a man, young and old, never looked better than when Gilda dressed them in the perfect tuxedo."

The Sumner Teen Center in Gallatin also posted, "We have lost a great warrior for our cause. We love you Gilda York! Heaven is blessed to have you."

Reach Natalie Neysa Alund at nalund@tennessean.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.