Carolyn Nichols Gay

Carolyn Nichols Gay was born on June 12, 1941, in Longview, Texas to Coy and Minnie Nichols. She died on September 2, 2014 at a local hospital. Carolyn attended Pine Tree and then went on to get a degree in nursing as a LVN. She worked in the ER for The Good Shepherd Medical Center and Longview Regional Hospital, as well as doctors in family clinics. She retired after 30 years in 1994. Carolyn Gay grew up and was saved when she was young at the Greggton Baptist Church. She was a member of Oakland Heights Baptist Church and the Hope Sunday School Class. She has always had a heart for helping people. She helped put up and decorate the Christmas tree at Hiway 80 Rescue Mission for several years and helped serve meals to the hungry at Martha’s Kitchen. Carolyn was very active in the Pep Squad, choir and sang in a girls group “The Sevenettes” while at Pine Tree. She loved the outdoors, hunting, growing beautiful plants, working in the yard and basking in the sun. Mrs. Gay was married to Dr. Charles E. Gay, Jr. on September 24, 1983. She is survived by husband. Her children: sons, James Keith Castleberry and wife, Lisa and John William Castleberry of Longview; daughter, Karen Ann Castleberry Floyd also of Longview; grandchildren, Amanda Castleberry Harrison, Austin Castleberry, Joshua Floyd and Jessica Floyd. Step-children, Jeff Carter and wife Lisa, Houston, Texas; Melissa Gay Kellogg and husband Andrew of Moscow, Tenn., Elizabeth Gay Pike and husband Billy of Layfette, La. Step-grandchildren Danyelle Floyd, Charles Carter, David Carter, Daniel Kellogg, Benjamin Kellogg, Jonathan Kellogg, Mary Kellogg, Jennifer Pike, Paige Pike and Savannah Pike. Carolyn is also survived by her sister, Janiece Nichols Baldwin, Marie Keith and step-sister, Darlynn Jones, all of Longview and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents; daughter Vicky Lea Castleberry; brother, Ronnie Nichols, granddaughter, Amy Gay. Services for Carolyn will be held on Friday afternoon at 2:00pm at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Texas. A time of family visitation will be Thursday evening from 6 to 8pm also at Rader Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers will be grandsons, Austin Castleberry, Joshua Floyd, Jonathan Kellogg, also Don McGrede, Ralph Greening, and Harley Brown.

Carolyn Nichols Gay

June 12, 1941 - September 2, 2014