With profound sadness and hearts full of treasured memories, we share the passing of Betty Ann Bates Herring Gage on December 27, 2024, at the age of 87. Surrounded by her loved ones, Betty left this world peacefully after facing her battle with cancer with her typical grace and courage.
Born in Jennings, Florida, on October 26, 1937, to Wallace J. Bates and Bonnie Hill Bates, Betty lived a life filled with love and purpose. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Russell N. Herring, and her second husband, Howard Donald Gage Sr., both of whom she unconditionally loved.
Betty’s legacy lives on through her children: Richard R. Herring (Kyong Kim), Randall N. Herring, Donna Herring Adwan (Kenneth), and Donald M. Herring (Nicki). She was also a devoted stepmother to Howard D. Gage Jr. (Jenny) and Julie Ann Manilli (Chris). Her heart overflowed with pride for her nine grandchildren (and their loving spouses), five step-grandchildren (and their loving spouses), and six great-grandchildren. Betty is also survived by her sister-in-law Ruth Bates, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A devoted wife and mother, Betty shared 32 blessed and beautiful years of marriage with Russell N. Herring (married in 1956 until his passing in 1988), accompanying him across the globe during his service in the U.S. Air Force. Together, they created a loving home, had four children, and spent wonderful years making homes from England to Hawaii before settling in Pensacola, Florida, in 1979. In her next chapter of life, she was blessed to find love again with Howard Donald Gage Sr. (Don), marrying him in 2001. They enjoyed 21 incredible years together, creating a life rich in love and shared joys until his passing in 2022.
Betty’s life was a testament to warmth, kindness, graciousness, and unwavering love. Her laughter lit up every room, and her love was a constant source of comfort and strength to all who knew her. Though her absence leaves a void, her memory will continue to be a guiding light for her family and friends.
Throughout her life, Betty was deeply engaged in her community, dedicating her time to volunteer work. She devoted herself to serving others, and especially enjoyed her time as a Room Mother, PTA leader, Red Cross Volunteer, and in various capacities within the Officers' Wives Club. A devoted Christian, she shared her faith by teaching Sunday school and found deep fulfillment in her lifelong involvement with P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), where she passionately championed women's educational opportunities for more than 50 years.
Betty had a talent for embracing life's simple pleasures, such as working, playing bridge and traveling. As the Marketing Director at Azalea Trace for many years, she shared her warmth and organizational skills, forging meaningful connections and spreading joy to everyone she encountered.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on January 7th at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Betty’s radiant spirit will be dearly missed, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her. We take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, joyfully reunited with her loved ones in heaven.
Below is Betty’s favorite guidance of faith, passed down from her mother, which she lived every day:
"Live each day like it is the last day of your life, and treat others as it is theirs.”
