Gail Ann Spencer Engels, 78, of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, passed away Monday, April 7, 2025, at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, far too soon for the many who loved her.

Gail was born on August 18, 1946, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the late Walter Earl Spencer and Emogene (Jean) Lowell Steele Spencer. One of three children, she developed a deep love for family that remained a central part of her life.

On August 20, 1966, Gail married Gary James Engels. Together, they built a life filled with love, commitment, and shared devotion to family. Their marriage of nearly 59 years was a testament to enduring partnership and care.

Gail is survived by her husband, Gary, and their daughters, Laurie Anne Corson (Philip) of Clover, South Carolina, and Ashley Dianne Engels of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Anna Elaine Corson, Alexander James Corson, and Harper Caroline Dibble. Gail is also survived by her sister, Deborah Spencer Gipple.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Walter Earl Spencer, Jr.

Gail was a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church of Clover, where she was active in Sunday School, her United Methodist Women’s Circle, and many other church activities. She cherished her faith community and the relationships built there over the years.

Her devotion to others was evident in the way she cared for family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, always ready to lend a hand, deliver a meal, or offer her time. She had a gift for making others feel remembered, supported, and loved.

Gail enjoyed hosting family gatherings, especially during the holidays, and took great joy in preparing meals ahead of time and carefully stocking the freezer. She loved shopping, sharing stories, reminiscing, and playing games like cards, bunco, charades, and Mad Libs. Though not always clear on the rules, she often held the winning hand—a fact her family remembers with laughter and affection.

Christmas was especially dear to her. Gail delighted in decorating her home for the season, filling it with music and transforming it into a festive, welcoming space. She was known for buying lots and lots of presents, always with the goal of making the season magical for her children and grandchildren. She also had a playful habit of picking out treats “for the grandkids” that just happened to be her personal favorites.

Gail brought joy, warmth, and a bit of mischief into everyday life. She was loving, caring, giving, funny, silly, optimistic, and generous. She will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at First United Methodist Church of Clover, 124 Bethel Street, Clover, South Carolina 29710.

In lieu of flowers—Gail was never fond of them—memorials may be made to the Chrysalis Autism Center, 1547 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732 or online at www.chrysalisautismctr.com/donate

M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Clover, SC is serving the family of Mrs. Engels.

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