Sherry Gail “Gail” Carter passed from this life peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, September 6, 2023 after a brief but valiant battle with ALS. She was surrounded by family as she made her way to the arms of the Lord.
Gail was born November 13, 1952 to Wayne and Doris Dowdy. She graduated from South Marshall High School in Hardin, Ky., and earned her Bachelors degree in Education at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Ok. Gail then pursued her Masters in Education and Curriculum Development at Baker University’s Wichita campus.
Countless young minds were influenced by Gail’s tireless work in many preschool, kindergarten and first grade classrooms across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. She helped develop elementary curriculum for Wichita public schools. Gail was named Distinguished Teacher of the Year for the Wichita Public School System and was flown to California to be recognized by none other than childhood favorite Captain Kangaroo. After winning the Distinguished Teacher award, she was promoted to an instructional coach at an elementary school in Wichita. Gail retired from that position in 2011. One of her most precious teaching achievements was winning the Golden Apple Award after being nominated by parents. Gail often noted the best reward for teaching wasn’t a plaque for her mantle, but rather running across former students later in their lives and celebrating their successes.
Gail’s great love for the Lord was manifested throughout her life as she shared her gift of teaching – both in children’s classrooms and with various ladies’ classes for over 50 years. Her alto voice would ring God’s praises through the congregation at every service, and her hand-crafted illustrations and masterful bulletin boards brought the Word to vivid life for many members young and old. Gail’s artistic talents weren’t limited to pencil and paper; most who knew her were astonished by her aptitude with sewing, chalk drawings, portraits, costumes for grandkids, and Bible story illustrations.
Gail loved traveling – especially to historical sites to gather real-life tidbits to pass on to her students, and never passed up an opportunity to visit the zoo with her kids and then her grandkids. She cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs and was recently honored with a phone call from quarterback Chad Henne, who offered his good wishes and support.
Gail is survived by her mother Doris Darnall Dowdy Smith of Benton, Ky., her children Doris Ann Carter also of Benton, Ky.; Jesse Wayne Carter of Wichita, Ks., and Leslie Gail Carter Holeman and husband Frank of Wichita, Ks.; brothers Gary Philip Dowdy of Hardin, Ky. and Jeffrey Wayne Dowdy and wife Bonita, of Hardin; her grandchildren Tyler Holeman, Kora Gail Thomas and husband Mark, Micah Frazer and husband Matthew, Anika Aramburu and Carson Wayne Carter; great grandchildren Kinsley Johnson and Lenexa Holeman, and innumerable other relatives and friends. Gail was preceded in death by her father Wayne Dowdy.
A memorial service will take place at Hardin Church of Christ on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 5:00 PM with David Smith officiating.
Flowers may be sent to Hardin Church of Christ, 156 Watkins St, Hardin, KY 42048. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to: ALS Association, 13102 Eastpoint Park Boulevard Suite #101, Louisville, KY 40223.
A celebration of life will be held at West Douglas Church of Christ, 1924 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67203 on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 5:00 PM.