Gayle Carr

Virginia Gayle Carr, 83, of Lake Charles passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2026 following a brief illness.

Ms. Carr was born in Mercedes, TX, raised and educated in Mission, TX and has lived most of her adult life in Lake Charles. She was proud of her longtime career as a claims adjuster with State Farm, where she worked diligently for many years. In her younger years, she was a feature baton twirler for her high school and developed a lifelong love for horses while growing up on a ranch where her father trained Quarter Horses. She embraced life and enjoyed living and boating on the Calcasieu River. She also enjoyed dancing and participating in the festivities of Southwest Louisiana. Affectionately known to her grandchildren as “MeMe”, she was always there for them. One of her greatest joys was caring for her grandchildren and being there to support and cheer them on at their countless functions and events. She loved traveling with her children and grandchildren through the years as they created many special moments and treasured memories that will be cherished for generations. A lady of deep faith and prayer, she faced life's blessings and challenges with grace, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She will be remembered most for her vibrant spirit, kind heart, and the unconditional love she shared with her family. She will be deeply missed.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Robin B. Abraham (Paul) of Lake Charles; three sons, Dane R. Bolin (Cathy) of Lake Charles; Todd B. Bolin (Susan) of Pearland, TX and Jarrett “Heath” Bolin (Kristi) of Tucson, AZ; eleven grandchildren, Emily Bolin Toups (Jeffrey), Brett Bolin, Grey Abraham, George Abraham, Blake Bolin (Natalie), Matthew Bolin, Carter Bolin, Hudson Bolin, Gabby Bolin Adams (Ross), Madeline Bolin and Jackson Bolin; seven great grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth Akins (Bonnie); one sister, Barbara Johnston (Bob); nieces, nephew and dear friends and her beloved fur baby dog, Sammy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett Monroe Akins and Mary Virginia McCord and two sisters, Mary Bolin and Sandra Cole.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4:30 PM until 7:30 PM Monday, September 14, 2026 in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles. In respect of her wishes, services of remembrance will be a private family at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana at https://www.bbbsswla.org or the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.