Gale Simmons Carroll

Funeral services for Gale Simmons Carroll, who passed away June 17, 2025, will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Columbia, with Bro. Eric Harriman officiating. Interment will follow at Columbia Hill Cemetery, Columbia, under the direction of Riser and Son Funeral Home. The family will have a visitation on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the church from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Gale Dean Simmons Carroll, a shining light in the lives of everyone who knew her, peacefully passed away on June 17, 2025, at the Haven Nursing Center in Columbia, Louisiana, after a brave fight with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 85.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, on March 29, 1940, to James Lamar Simmons, Sr., and Odean Ellzey Simmons, Gale lived a life full of joy, grace, and steadfast love. After finishing high school, she earned her education degree from Louisiana College, where she met the love of her life, E. Linus Carroll, Jr. Their marriage stood as a beautiful example of lasting love and partnership. Gale was, in every sense, the greatest gift God gave to Linus—her love for him was strong, constant, and unwavering.

Together, they settled in Columbia, Louisiana, where they raised their family and became deeply involved in the community. Gale was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church, serving faithfully as a children’s Sunday School teacher, Director of Vacation Bible School, choir member, auxiliary member of Gideons International, the Beautification Committee, and the Hostess Committee, out of which grew the beloved “Golden Girls,” a group of close friends who shared countless meals, laughter, and adventures. Her home was always open, her table always welcoming, and her heart always full. She had a gift for making others feel seen and loved, and her laughter—bright, infectious, and unforgettable—was the soundtrack of every gathering. Her faith was at the core of her life, and she made sure everyone knew Jesus was the Lord of her life.

Music and flowers, two passions deeply intertwined in Gale's life, were among her greatest sources of joy—a love instilled by her parents. Her voice, like her spirit, radiated warmth and brought happiness to everyone around her. She sang with heartfelt enthusiasm, not only in the church choir but also with the Louisiana Baptist Singing Women and Kaleidoscope, a local women’s choral group. Her graciousness, generosity, and zest for life shone through her musicality, echoing her nurturing love for nature. As a true Southern lady, she was a dedicated member of the Columbia Garden Club, where she lovingly cultivated violets alongside her parents, her affection for flowers blooming just as beautifully as her love for music.

She was Joy and Laughter personified. Her presence was like a beautiful fireworks display: exciting, intentional, and full of light! Her friends didn’t just enjoy her company; they cherished it. Whether on trips to Destin or around the dinner table, it was never about the place—it was about being with Gale.

Gale’s love for her family was limitless. She was the heart of every celebration, a comfort in every hardship, and the joy in every simple moment. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James Lamar Simmons, Jr.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. Eldredge Linus Carroll, Jr.; her children: James Linus Carroll, John Sherman Carroll (Sonja), and Charlotte Carroll Michaud (Rowdy); and her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Josh Carroll (Jamie), Jason Carroll (Casey), Janna McMasters (Joe), Katherine Ishak (Asaad), Jacob Miller (Ali), Shaelyn Loreno (Ethyn), Zachary Carroll, Jade Carroll, Rowdy James Michaud (Elizabeth), Abigale Michaud, and James Landon Carroll; and great-grandchildren: Bentley Carroll, Bristol Carroll, Kyndi Carroll, Emma Rae Carroll, Bexley Carroll, Ellis Carroll, Axton Carroll, Stella Loreno, Iris Carroll, and Malakai McMasters; she also leaves behind daughters-in-law Cindy Carroll and Jennifer Miller, along with a host of extended family and dear friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Pallbearers include Josh Carroll, Jason Carroll, Asaad Ishak, Joe McMasters, Jacob Miller, Ethyn Loreno, Zachary Carroll, Rowdy James Michaud, and James Landon Carroll. Honorary pallbearers are Drew Keahey, Neil Riser, and Ricky Copeland.

The family sincerely and lovingly extends their deepest thanks to Gale’s compassionate caregivers—Irma Garcia, Carolyn Williams, Macey Parker, and Rebecca Tarver—and the entire caring staff at The Haven Nursing Center. Your tender kindness and gentle care brought comfort, peace, and dignity to Gale’s final days. Our hearts are truly grateful for your devotion and compassion.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to either the First Baptist Church of Columbia or The Gideons International at www.gideons.org/donate; either gift will help continue Gale’s legacy of faith and service.