Gaye (Sorrels) Carter of Fredericksburg went to her eternal home to be with Jesus on March 9, 2025, at age 72. Her daughter was by her side. 

Gaye was born to Johnnie and Lula Sorrels on April 21, 1952, in Buena Vista. She was one of 10 children. 

Gaye met her husband of 52 years, Michael, in high school. They married at the Buena Vista Baptist Church on August 14, 1972, and went on to have two children, Stephen Don Carter and Emily Paige (Carter) Beard. Gaye was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother.

She enjoyed baking, decorating for holidays, painting, cross stitching, a good joke, crocheting, reading, time with her family, the mountains, and shopping for a good bargain. She loved coming home to Buena Vista to visit her mama and siblings. 

Above all, the absolute joy of her life were her grandchildren. There is nothing she would not do for them. She chaperoned field trips, volunteered at their school, had them over for countless sleepovers, taught them about Jesus, and spoiled them every chance she got.

In recent years Gaye has had health issues and heartache, but she held an unwavering faith in God, which Gaye shared with those who surrounded her. 

Gaye joins her parents and her in-laws Donald and Violet Carter, and two brothers Kenny and Tom Sorrels, in Heaven.

Gaye is survived by her husband Michael; son Stephen Don Carter; daughter Emily Beard (Todd); and grandchildren Addison Paige Beard, Carter Todd Beard, Mason Porter Beard, and Michael Don Carter. In addition, she is survived by her two sisters, Pat Troppoli (Dan) and Ruth Dalton (Stover); and five brothers, Steve Sorrels (Nina) Roy Sorrels, David Sorrels (Kim) Rodney Sorrels and Keith Sorrels; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 17, at Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens where she will be laid to rest near her beloved mama. 

2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." She now rests in the arms of the Savior, free from pain and sorrow, rejoicing in the presence of the Almighty.