Mabel Elizabeth Mountcastle Gay

Mabel Elizabeth Mountcastle Gay, 84, of Victoria, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and the faith that guided her life.

Born on January 10, 1941, in Marion, South Carolina, to Mable Butler Mountcastle and Albert Burton Mountcastle, Mabel moved with her family to LaCrosse, Virginia, at the age of 7. She graduated from Park View High School in 1958 and went on to attend business college in Richmond. It was during these formative years that she met her husband Gordon “Ike” Gay. They were married in June 1961 and together raised their family in Ike’s hometown of Victoria, Virginia.

Mabel was a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and beloved friend. Warm, funny, and strong in spirit, she had a natural way of making others welcomed and supported. Her love extended well beyond her family into the wider community where she served faithfully for many years.

A longtime member of Victoria United Methodist Church, Mabel gave generously of her time and heart. She served on the church board and the Pastor-Parish Committee, taught Sunday School, and lent her beautiful voice to the church choir. She also shared her musical gifts with the community, singing at weekly gatherings at the Victoria Public Library.

Mabel had a gift for beauty in people and in the world around her. A talented beautician by trade and an artist by passion, she expressed her creativity through painting, music, and her flourishing garden. She had a special love for classic movies, which she enjoyed watching over a cup of coffee or while spending time with loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gordon “Ike” Gay; her brothers Albert Mountcastle and half-brother Eddie Mountcastle; and her half-sister,  Elsie Turbeville.

She is survived by her children: Rhonda Scheich (Jeff) of Colonial Heights, VA; Stephen Gay of Tampa, FL; and Natalie Poindexter (Tyler) of Moseley, VA; and her cherished granddaughter, Madeline Holder of Richmond, VA. She is also survived by her younger brother William Mountcastle (Valerie) of Pinehurst, NC, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

A celebration of Mabel’s life will be held at Victoria United Methodist Church on Friday at 11:00 AM, the family will receive guests starting at 10am prior to the service. Burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Victoria.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Mabel’s name to Victoria United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 547, Victoria, VA 23974

Mabel’s legacy of faith, love, and joyful service will live on in all those whose lives she touched.