"I was blessed to know Carol through her husband, Dr Bernard Gerber and the TMA. What a wonderful person, so full of joy and happiness. I loved hearing her talk about her love for her family, especially the grandchildren. The world is a better place because she was in it. "
In loving memory of
Carol Gerber
November 9, 1939 - January 3, 2022
Carol Marie Gerber passed away on January 3, 2022 after a battle with dementia at the age of 83.
Carol was born in 1939 in Dallas, Texas and enjoyed her early years growing up on a farm north of Dallas near the small village of Hebron, Texas. She loved life on the farm where she lived until she was 12 when her father retired and sold the farm, moving with her parents and her younger brother to "town" - Carrollton, Texas where she graduated from high school with a class of 70 students.
Carol married right after high school and had 3 children from this first marriage, two surviving and still living in Carrollton. She decided to go to college in her late 20's and attended classes at community college in Dallas for a few years before meeting her husband, Dr. Bernard Gerber, when he was in medical school in Dallas. At that time, she had been working at the Callier Hearing and Speech Center in Dallas, beginning in the administrative office. Her skills with children became noticed and she was trained to teach multi-handicapped, deaf-blind children, a calling she fell in love with and pursued the rest of her career. She and Bernard married in 1974 during his internship year and they left Dallas for Boston that summer where Bernard did his residency. Carol was accepted on full scholarship to Boston College at that time where she completed her undergraduate and Masters in Education degrees. During this time their two children were born in Boston. After moving back to Texas in 1978, this time to Houston, Carol began a career teaching and supervising education for multi-handicapped and deaf-blind children. She was highly recognized by peers and administrators for her caring and skills in helping these children, all noting her abilities to connect with them and find ways to improve their functioning in such an insightful way. After many years of teaching and helping other teachers, she retired about 20 years ago.
Carol's interests included gardening (once a farmer, always a farmer), hiking in the mountains, antique shopping, and sharing time and love with friends and family. She has 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and always enjoyed learning about their adventures and accomplishments.
Carol was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Mattie Lord, her brother, John Michael Lord, and her daughter, Kristy Bowlin Levins. She is survived by her husband, Bernard Gerber, her daughters Amy Bowlin and Sarah Abrahams (and husband Eric), her sons Jeffrey Bowlin (and wife LaDena) and Jacob Gerber ( and wife Jennifer), grandchildren Cody Levins, Ryan Levins, Nathan Abrahams, Levi Abrahams, Jordan Abrahams, Emma Gerber, and Everett Gerber, and 3 great-grandchildren.
The family is thankful for the care and attention given to Carol in the last years of life at Colonial Oaks Assisted Living/Memory Care as well as the love and support from so many friends and family. Her smile and love of life and family will be remembered by all who knew her. A family graveside service will take place on Friday, January 7, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a charity of your choice.
To view a recording of the service please use the following link: https://vimeo.com/664819799
Tributes
"Her smile, her humor, her laughter, her joy for living....we will always remember as our Carol. And someone who openly embraced our relationship long before we published it to the world -- Carol was our safe place. How lucky we were to know her. Sending love and comfort to the entire family - especially Bernard, Sarah and Jacob. Love, MaryAnn and Rene "
"To Bernard So sorry for your loss Carol was a kindred sprit My day was much brighter after we talked and shared the latest gossip. She was a big part of my life."
"Carol was such an amazing woman and I?m glad I am very fortunate to have known her. My love and condolences go out to all her family."
"Sarah, I?m so sorry for your loss. My heart is sad for you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers."