Carol Gass of Lakeland died January 18th at Lakeland Regional Hospital. She was 84. She is survived by her brother Vilas Gene Gass and sister-in-law, Cynthia Gass; sister-in-law Nancy Gass; nieces Lauren Johnson, Janice Gass, Shirley Gass, Mary Ogle; nephews Barrett Gass and Glen Gass; great nieces and nephews and one great great nephew. She is preceded in death by her parents, Vilas Arthur Gass and Vista Louise Leonard Gass and brother William Arthur Gass.

Carol was born in Henderson, Kentucky, a town on the Ohio River. She became the middle child when at age 5 her baby brother was born. She became his protector as they walked and rode bikes to school together. At age 12 the family moved to Tampa when the Air Force transferred their older brother to McDill Air Force Base. She continued her goal to protect baby brother as now they had to cross busy McDill Ave to walk to school. They always had a very special bond.  Her Dad’s job changes led them to Frostproof for a short time then to Sebring where she attended Sebring Sr. High then began a career in childcare. The children she cared for were loved like her own and often stayed in touch with her. When caring for her elderly mom became priority, she closed her childcare business. Later due to her own medical issues she moved to her brother’s home in Lakeland.

Carol loved animals and always had a cat or dog. She loved gardening and beautiful flowers. Her faith was her guiding light and was a dedicated member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Sebring. She with her special friend, Minnie Johnson, regularly visited the homebound and nursing homes. They volunteered at a food bank on Fridays. After moving to Lakeland, she was faithful to attend Southside Baptist Church where the Agape Sunday School class became like extended family to her. When her health made it impossible for her to attend, she greatly appreciated the continued support and outreach of the church.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Southside Baptist Church, Lakeland, Florida. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. with Service at 11:00 a.m. Internment will be held privately for the family at Pinecrest Cemetery in Sebring Wednesday, February 19 at 11:00 a.m.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to One More Child.