Carol Shoalmire Gates was born in Shreveport, LA to Martha and John Shaughnessy on August 3, 1942  and was greeted into heaven on July 10, 2023. Carol is survived by her husband, Jack Gates; her two sons, Alan Shoalmire (Jennifer) of Navasota, TX; Brent Shoalmire (Shannon) of Eunice, LA and her daughter Rachel Shoalmire Scriber (Glenn) of Ruston; Jack’s sons Chris Gates (Jennifer) of Indianapolis, Indiana and Nick Gates (Annie Caleca) of Indianapolis, Indiana; brother, John Shaughnessy, Jr. (Debbie) of Shreveport; sister, Jeanie Shaughnessy of Cozad, Nebraska; aunt, Gloria Joy Moore of Hall Summit, LA grandchildren, Anna Kate Scriber, Lauren, Lydia, Luke and Lacey Shoalmire, Madison, Millie and Ava Gates; niece Jessica Fabre (Ben) of Baton Rouge, LA; nephew John Shaughnessy III (Morgan) of Jackson, MS; sisters-in-law, June Gates Slaughter of Shreveport and Jill Gates Gravel (Sam) of Huntsville, AL; brothers-in-law, Virgil Pittman of Austin, TX and David Gates (Bonnie) of Fairfield, VA; numerous cousins,  great niece, great nephew, and countless friends. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Martha and John Shaughnessy of Shreveport, LA; sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Diane Gates Pittman.

Carol spent her early childhood years in Leesville, LA and later moved to Shreveport, LA where her father had a long career with Kansas City Railroad. The families and friends of the Lakeview subdivision were special to her and where she enjoyed her time growing up, with a special bond to Lakeview Baptist Church and her classmates of Fairpark High School class of 1960. Carol went on to become a radiologic technologist and served over 40 years in her field, much of that time at Green Clinic of Ruston. She enjoyed working and serving her patients. Carol’s strong Christian faith rooted from her family’s firm foundation permeated into all areas of her life, serving faithfully to all she encountered and as a member of First Baptist Church Ruston until she was no longer physically able. She loved her family dearly and moments with them were some of her most cherished times, especially holidays, family gatherings and time with her grandchildren. But one of the true highlights of her life, was the love story written by her and Jack. Carol and Jack knew each other in childhood as Jack is the brother of Carol’s best friend, Diane. Their story reunited them years later in the best way, when they needed each other the most. Many great times were shared between them with memories that will never fade.  Jack lived by his vows to her served her and loved her so well during her illness, never leaving her side. He was right where she wanted him to be.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth…..Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:5,7-8. When you read these verses, ones that knew her, can’t help but think of Carol Shoalmire Gates. She was the face of perseverance and kindness. Through all adversity, she found meekness and purity in heart. She was steadfast and merciful. It is easy to assume weakness in this gift, but what the opposite it is. Carol was one of the strongest people you were blessed to know.

When God called her home from her weary body, she was made whole again, healed…and all those who loved her and have been by her side were healed in a way too….”Well done good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:21 

Services will be officiated by Pastors Chris Craig and Brent Shoalmire will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023 at First Baptist Church Ruston with visitation at 10AM and services at 11AM. Interment to follow at Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens in Ruston, LA. under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at

www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston

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