Sharlotte Gaye McCarty was born January 3, 1936, in Oplin, Texas, to Ruben and Lois Windham Burrow. Raised in Denton Valley, she later moved with her family to Abilene, graduating from Abilene High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Ray McCarty in 1956. In 1964, the couple settled in Clyde, in a home along I-20 that remained Gaye's residence for 62 years. Gaye was a lifelong member of the Clyde Church of Christ. Ray and Gaye were married until his death in 2022.

Their union resulted in 3 children whose lives she was actively involved in as a room mother who volunteered to bake cookies for every school event, and a proud band Mom for her kids in Jr. and High school. There was nothing she couldn’t do in her children’s eyes!

After the kids were grown, Gaye transitioned into her favorite role: “Mema.” This was truly the role she was born to play, showing each grandchild unconditional love and attention. Gaye attended every play, tennis match, band concert, dance recital, soccer or baseball game, graduation, and awards event for her 6 grandchildren and her 7 great grandkids.

Gaye is survived by her three children: Mike McCarty of Round Rock, Craig McCarty and wife Lisa of Abilene, and Terri Childers and husband Mark of Abilene. Grandchildren: Kristi Loewen and husband Willie, Aaron McCarty, Kaci Bunker and husband Bradley, Dr. Cody McCarty and wife Kaila, Camron McCarty, and Dr. Brandon McCarty. Great grandchildren: McKinlee Loewen, Oaklee Loewen, Landry Loewen, Jackson McCarty, Hallie McCarty, Holdyn McCarty, and Lane Bunker. Brother Jerry Burrow and wife Sandy of Abilene and sister Carolyn Morris of Dalworthington Gardens. She is preceded in death by her husband Ray and brothers Dan and Max Burrow.

Family meals will not be the same without Mema’s mac and cheese and the generous pocket money she ensured every grandchild received.

Ray’s and Gaye’s ashes will be united in a love story that will continue to live on from this life through the next.