Barbara "Gail" Carter

Mrs. Barbara "Gail" Carter (Handley), 87, of Hoover, AL arrived in Heaven on December 31st, 2021. She was born in Waycross GA on December 16th, 1934. Her father worked for Seaboard Coast Line, which briefly took her and her parents to Tampa, Florida. Upon returning to Waycross, she met the love of her life, Carl Carter, at the local Lyric Theater. Shortly after, they married and were able to celebrate 67 years as husband and wife before his passing in 2020.

Carl and Gail lived in Clearwater, FL for almost 60 years and while there, raised four boys. They attended First Baptist Church, Largo, FL, for many years and lived a full and rich life raising their family. In their retirement years, Carl and Gail enjoyed traveling across the country and planning for family events with their sons and daughters-in law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The only thing she loved more than her husband and family was Jesus Christ. She took the Great Commission to heart and was always quick to share the gospel with others (Matthew 28:19). For over 80 years she led many to Christ and was a “good and faithful servant” to the end. Although her family mourns her passing, Heaven is celebrating her arrival!

Gail is preceded in death by her husband James “Carl” Carter, and her parents, Urban Clyde and Elberta Marie Handley.

She is survived by her loving sons Steve (Debby), Rus (Nancy), Neal (Lynette), and Paul (Marti); grandchildren, Erin Cole (Jason), Jacob (Lynn), Matt (Kelly) Jonathan (Katie), Ben, Katie Fletcher (Jonathan), Stephanie Valentin (Valair), and Caleb; great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Noah, Faith, Ailey, Maddie Joy, and Rylee.

A private graveside service will be held on January 29th for the family at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South in Hoover, AL.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made online to the Florida Baptist’s Children Homes (https://www.fbchomes.org), or mail directly to P.O. Box 8190, Lakeland, Florida, 33802.