Laura Gay

Laura Olivia Gay, known affectionately as Libby, Ms. Libby, and Mema, passed away on March 13, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on October 6, 1944, in Colquitt County, she grew up in Berlin, Georgia, on the family vegetable farm and country store known as “Big Mama’s House.” The daughter of Bryant and Edith Deas, she graduated from Moultrie High School in 1962 and later married Francis M. Gay, Sr., of Brooks County. Their marriage lasted nearly 60 years until his passing on January 20, 2022.

A devoted matriarch, Libby placed her family and children above all else, living each day with kindness, simplicity, and quiet strength. She led by example as a loving mother whose gentle spirit touched everyone around her. She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings Bill Deas, Ann Nellis, and Faye Deas; and great-grandson Army Cpl. Pruitt A. Rainey.

She is survived by her children: Francis M. Gay, Jr. and his wife Laura Lee Dame Gay, Traci Olivia Taylor and her husband Alan Taylor, and Samuel Bryan Gay and his wife Stephanie; as well as her grandchildren Luke Carney, Pruitt Rainey, Trai Gay, Kami Dean, Brodie Bon Gay, Stone Ross Gay, Jase Pruitt Gay, Suwannee Gay, Jack Bryant Gay, and Jon Healey Gay; and great-grandchildren Lola Jude Dean and Gatlin Dean.

Her life remains a lasting example of unconditional love and family devotion, a garden she tended with care and left behind for her loved ones to nurture and grow.