Betty Gage

Betty Joyce Gage passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on August 5, 2026 at the age of 94 in Cumming, Georgia.

She was born in Louisville, Kentucky on February 23, 1932 to Epsie Horn and William McMeans and then moved to and grew up in Birmingham and Athens, Alabama with her 3 sisters and 1 brother who have all proceeded her in death.

She worked in accounting for almost 5 years at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama during the early days of the NASA program. She even was recruited to transport secret documents, handcuffed to her wrist, to New York.

She met Joe Gage in 1965, who was in Alabama on a business trip from New Jersey. Their love story began and flourished through letters written back and forth, and more “supposed” business trips. Having both experienced tragedy in previous marriages, they bonded quickly and were soon married June 4, 1966. They created their own beautiful blended family of four, soon to be, five children: Traci Fairbairn and Andy Sandler of Darnestown, Md., Doug Gage and wife Diane of Taylorsville, Ga., Kelly Jones of Sandy Springs, Ga., Karen Gage of Cumming, Ga., and Scott Gage and wife Judy of Lexington, Ky.

Mom, or Honey, as known by her grandchildren, had an entrepreneurial spirit. She co-owned The Elegant Stitch, a knit shop selling yarns and teaching knitting classes to many, including her children and grandchildren, which she loved to do. She then co-owned a dress shop called Plums. Both were located in Dunwoody, Ga. She was a tour guide at the Swan House in Atlanta for several years, giving her the opportunity to tour, then, Prince Charles, through the home. She was also asked to serve on the board of Agape, which was dear to her heart due to her own family experiences, and she served for many years.

Betty and Joe were very active at Sandy Springs/ North Atlanta Church of Christ. Dad served until his death in 2008, and Mom remained active for 53 years. They taught bible classes in the children’s ministry, student ministry as well as a class on blended families. Betty hosted innumerable wedding and baby showers both at church and in her home and was known to be a wonderful hostess. They often invited friends into their home who were experiencing difficult times and shared love and encouragement with them to make sure they knew someone cared. Betty began a neighborhood women’s bible study both in Dunwoody and in Cumming. The one in Cumming is still meeting, carrying on her legacy. She deeply loved and enjoyed all her family which included 9 grandchildren and their spouses: Rob Fairbairn, Catherine & Colin Hanley, Amanda & Chris Lowe, Scott & Gabi Jones, Cameron & Michelle Jones, Chris Gage, Lauren & David Wu, Sarah & Ryan Smith, Rachel & Adam Johnson. She also had 13 great-grandchildren: Olivia and Michael Vernon, Josh Lowe, Ben Lowe, Jon Lowe, Grant Hanley, Henry Hanley, Micah Lowe, Matthew Lowe, Joseph Lowe, Amelia Wu, Issac Lowe, Vivi Hanley, and Eli Wu.

Our Honey, lived a life marked by intentional love, unwavering kindness and a heart overflowing with joy and gratitude. She never met a stranger; everyone she encountered was welcomed into her world and made to feel like family. Her infectious smile, encouraging words, and genuine warmth had a way of lighting up every room and leaving a little sweetness in the hearts of those who knew her. She loved fiercely and without bounds, often without needing words at all, because everyone around her knew just how deeply she cared. As a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, she showed us what it means to love unconditionally, to persevere through life’s challenges, and to always look for the blessings around us.

Family was the center of Honey’s heart. She prayed for each of us by name and wanted nothing more than for her family to be secure, comfortable and surrounded by love. Her gratitude was beautifully reflected in her love of music and her habit of turning even the simplest of conversations into song. The words, “What a wonderful world,” became a fitting reflection of the way she chose to see her life; counting her blessings, especially her family, and giving thanks for them. Honey leaves behind a legacy of pure and intentional kindness, joy, and unconditional love. She was the glue that held our family together and a gift to everyone fortunate enough to meet her. Her love, her music, and her ever-present smile will remain with us as we carry her memory in our hearts and we “KEEP ON KEEPING ON!”

Her Celebration of life will be held November 21, 2026 @ 11:00 AM at North Atlanta Church of Christ 5676 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338. Visitation will be from 9-10:45 a.m.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be sent to any of the following: North Atlanta Church of Christ: Youth Missions, Agape, and Mission Upreach