Carol M. Gage

Carol M. Gage, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, in Augusta, Georgia. Born in Columbus, Ohio, she brought joy and music into the world and touched countless lives throughout her extraordinary journey.

Carol was the cherished daughter of Raymond and Dorothy Miller. She grew up in Columbus and graduated from South High School before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education at The Ohio State University. Music was a lifelong passion for Carol, who began playing the piano for a ballet studio and teaching piano lessons in high school, continuing to inspire her students well into her 80s.

In 1960, Carol married her high school sweetheart, Paul R. Gage, marking the beginning of a partnership that would last almost 70 years and include 64 years of marriage. Together, they were not just spouses but a dynamic duo in life and in service to their community. Carol and Paul worked hand in hand to establish the Second Harvest Food Bank in Orlando, which grew to become the largest food bank in the country.

A devout Christian, Carol was actively involved in Wesley United Methodist Church in Evans, Georgia. There, she led "Faith Notes," a volunteer choir and ministry, and was a devoted participant in women’s Bible studies, often writing and leading summer sessions. Her commitment to education extended beyond her own children; she dedicated many years as a kindergarten para-professional, leading morning music sessions among other duties. As a volunteer, she tutored children at Lamar Milledge Elementary School In Augusta.

Carol’s love for her family was palpable. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul and her son, David Paul Gage. She is survived by her cherished daughters, Karin Calloway (T. Bond) and Leslie Marcus (J. Cory); her sister Lynne Dunn (William); sister-in-law Sandra Friebis; and her daughter-in-law Jeannine Loiacono Gage. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren: Tripp Calloway (Rachel Byrd), Gage Marcus, Graham Marcus, CC Calloway, and Ivey Gage Garfield (Thomas); as well as her great-grandchildren, Emma Adele Calloway and Thomas Bond Calloway IV.

Carol was not only a mother in her own right but an unwavering support system for her children’s dreams. She took great joy in ferrying her daughter Karin to dance rehearsals at Walt Disney World, spending weekends at New Smyrna Beach to support David’s surfing passion, and driving Leslie to local stage and TV production activities. Carol created a loving and welcoming home where everyone was invited, often opening her doors wide to ensure that no one spent the holidays alone.

Her kindness extended to her friendships as well, nurturing connections through various groups, including a group of friends who dubbed themselves, "Mature Southern Belles." She and Paul cherished their beloved Journey's Sunday School class at Wesley UMC. Friday nights were filled with their “dinner and dominoes” friends, which were the highlight of her week, where laughter and storytelling wove the fabric of cherished friendships.

Carol’s funeral will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Evans, Georgia, on April 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, a cause dear to Carol's heart.

As we celebrate her life, we remember Carol M. Gage not just for her achievements and unwavering faith, but for her boundless love, her laughter that filled the room, and her music that continues to echo in our hearts. She will be sorely missed but forever remembered in the stories we share and the love we carry forward.