Barbara Gail Causey

Causey, Barbara Gail, age 74 of Atlanta, GA, passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2023. Born in Atlanta, GA, on August 30, 1949, Gail was the oldest child of Jack C. Causey and Barbara Chilton Causey. She graduated from Lakeside High School in 1969. Gail resided at Annandale Village (Adult Community for Special Needs) in Suwanee GA for the past 38 years.

As a child, Gail loved going to the beach and traveling with her family. Her fondness and compassion for animals never wavered. Riding horses continued into adulthood. “Shop till you drop” defined Gail’s enthusiasm each time she was given the chance. Memories of good times with her cousins during the 1950s and 1960s dominated her conversations in later years. Listening to Beatles music and being a fan of Clint Eastwood movies added to Gail’s pleasure of life. Gail enjoyed living at Annandale with the villagers and staff. Workshop, Chapel, music class, karate, talent shows, crafts, field trips, and outings to the library and movies made for special times in her life at Annandale.

Throughout the years, Aunt Catherine and her daughter, Anna, showered Gail with their love and support especially during the holidays and birthdays, while Janet’s children embraced Gail as a member of their family on their vacations and visits to their homes. Gail needed caregiving from our mom at an early age. Gail deeply missed our mother after her passing last year and spoke with me often and wished mom was still here. Gail’s presence echoes beyond death and we have the fondest memories of her that we shall carry till the end of our days.

As a special needs person, Gail grew up in a world that didn’t quite understand her, but that didn’t stop her. In fact, she understood us all, and laughed and cried with us through so many magical moments. Gail’s mom explained, “God knew this little girl needed extra help, so that’s why God sent her to me.” Gail may have appeared to grow up on the outside, but on the inside, she remained a child, one who giggled at silly jokes and needed us to hold her hand during hospital stays. Through her eyes, we were able to see the magic of childhood again and again, as her innocence shined outward, even till her final day. Gail was Peter Pan, and we, as a family, were Wendy. We grew up, but were pleasantly surprised to discover Gail, like Peter Pan, knocking at our window, telling us silly jokes and stories from so many times before. She sprinkled fairy dust on us and gave us a chance to experience the world in a new, wonderful way. With her gone, we will continue to look out our window, as Wendy did, so many times, and hope to see that shadow and sprinkle of fairy dust, reminding us to think of the most wonderful things.

The oldest of three siblings, Gail is survived by her guardian and sister, Janet Causey Roling (Mark) and a brother, David Causey; aunt, Catherine Chilton Duncan and uncle, John F. Chilton (Sara); cousins and many nieces and nephews.

In honor of Gail’s memory, contributions can be made to “Annandale Village”, community for Adults with Special Needs (please note the memorial in the memo line), addressed to Annandale Village, 3500 Annandale Lane, Suwanee, GA 30024.