Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 8, 2024

CHARLOTTE – Abigail “Gail” Powers Carson was born in Charlotte, NC on June 14, 1952, daughter of the late Elinor and McAlister (Buddy) Carson.  She passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024, after several years of declining health battling Parkinson’s Disease.  Gail was a true Charlottean, never leaving the city that she loved so much.  In fact, it was a family joke that she never left the zip code where she was born and raised.  Because of this, it was rare to be anywhere with Gail in Charlotte that she was not greeted by someone she knew.    

Gail graduated from Myers Park High School and Queens College, enjoying many lifelong friendships from both her alma maters.  She began her professional life in medical social work at Charlotte Memorial Hospital (Atrium Health).  Gail then entered the field of pharmaceutical sales where she enjoyed a long and successful career.

Athleticism was second nature to Gail.  She participated in eleven marathons and five triathlons and was a regular at the Dowd YMCA.  She was a dedicated golfer who enjoyed playing some of the most famous golf courses in the world.  Gail was an avid runner as well as a frequent walker, much to the delight of her spoiled canine companions.  She loved her own dogs dearly but also happily shared that affection as a volunteer at the local animal shelter.

Though Gail loved her hometown, she did possess a sense of adventure and was excited whenever a trip with friends presented itself.  Her travels ranged from horse trekking in the mountains of Wyoming to hiking in Europe to safari in Africa.  Always on any trip, you could be sure Gail was happiest at the end of the day, enjoying a glass (or two) of the red wine that she loved and being surrounded by the friends that she cherished most. 

Perhaps Gail’s greatest joy came from sharing her wonderful sense of humor. Nothing gave her more pleasure than giving family and friends so much laughter through the years.  It is a rare and special gift she has left us to remember her by.

Gail will be missed by her sisters, Lane Gatlin (Chet), Jan Fries, and Kim Harrison (George).  She is also survived by her five nieces and nephews, Carson Yates (Parker), JP Harrison (Grace), Ross Fries, Lucas Fries (Becca), and Powers Gatlin Hauswald.  She will also be missed by her dear friend Dockery Clark.  Also surviving are her faithful furry friends, Birdie and Beanie.  She was predeceased by her nephew, Evan Fries and brother-in-law, George Fries and infant twin nephews, Carson and Brimmer Gatlin.

To celebrate Gail’s life, a private committal service in the columbarium at Myers Park Presbyterian Church will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Gail to Via Health Partners, P.O. Box 470408, Charlotte, NC  28247 or (donatehospice.org). 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.